Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) Engineer

Mclaurin Aerospace • Houston, TX

8d • Onsite

About The Position

We have an exciting opportunity for a Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) Engineer to join our JETS II contract team at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. If selected you will develop new, higher capability TPS materials and coatings to advance future mission capabilities. You will also conduct laboratory and high-temperature testing of TPS materials in support of design, development, test and evaluation. This includes planning testing and analyzing results from high enthalpy test facilities (arc jet, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch, etc.). You will perform thermal analysis of spacecraft thermal protection systems using a suite of analytical tools in support of design, development, test and evaluation. You will be responsible for ensuring the function and safety of the TPS for NASA programs while supporting real-time mission operations and decision making on critical TPS issues.

Requirements

• BS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or comparable engineering discipline from an accredited engineering school.
• Experience with programming.
• Experience working in laboratory environments.
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills, able to articulate conclusions and defend them when challenged.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of aerothermal environments, including high-temperature gas dynamics and aerodynamics.
• Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) interpretation/generation.
• Understanding of TPS physics under high enthalpy flow (ablation, multi-phase equilibria, radiative transport).
• Experience with thermal response codes such as CHAR, FIAT, or PATO.
• Experience with 3D Modeling software
• Familiarity with ablators, reusable TPS, and hot structure materials.
• High enthalpy test experience in facilities such as arc jets or inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torches.
• Experience managing complex spacecraft systems/projects.
• Ability to clearly communicate robust technical positions on TPS matters affecting human spaceflight.
• Willingness to serve as focal point for mission support and rapid decision-making in critical mission operational environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop new, higher capability TPS materials and coatings to advance future mission capabilities.
• Conduct laboratory and high-temperature testing of TPS materials in support of design, development, test and evaluation.
• Plan testing and analyze results from high enthalpy test facilities (arc jet, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch, etc.).
• Perform thermal analysis of spacecraft thermal protection systems using a suite of analytical tools in support of design, development, test and evaluation.
• Responsible for ensuring the function and safety of the TPS for NASA programs while supporting real-time mission operations and decision making on critical TPS issues.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Positive work-life balance
• 100% Employer paid insurance including: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, and long-term disability
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Generous PTO
• 401k after 12 months of service with employer match
• Education assistance
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level