Orion Thermal Protection System (TPS) Engineer

Orion Thermal Protection System (TPS) Engineer

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you! We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration.

As NASA's largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States, we have an exciting opportunity for a Orion Thermal Protection System (TPS) Engineer to join the team with Barrios Technologies, a teammate company.

We are actively searching for qualified candidates for this potential opening; however, we do not have assurance at this time when the position will be finalized and opened. Because we have strong reason to believe the position will be approved soon, we are proceeding with identifying qualified candidates and conducting interviews.

We are seeking a highly experienced aerospace engineer to provide subsystem management and technical leadership for the certification, testing, and build of the Orion Heatshield. This role acts as an agency-level expert in spacecraft thermal design, analysis, and testing. The position requires deep expertise in heat transfer, thermal protection systems, and spacecraft certification processes.

The Orion Thermal Protection System (TPS) Engineer will:

• Lead subsystem management for the Orion Heatshield, including certification planning, testing, and build oversight.
• Oversee the development of thermal models, stress analyses, and test techniques to ensure successful heatshield certification.
• Evaluate proposed designs and specifications for Avcoat blocks, identifying deficiencies and recommending alternative approaches to meet technical and safety requirements.
• Direct thermal analysis and test efforts performed by NASA civil servants and contractors across multiple centers.
• Assess all heatshield related hardware designs and supporting data at critical design and hardware acceptance reviews.
• Coordinate material property testing to support thermal and mechanical model development, delivering ablative thermal material models to Lockheed Martin for thermal sizing.
• Define and manage test plans for arc jet and radiant heatshield test programs.
• Provide on-site technical expertise for block bonding and gap filling operations at Kennedy Space Center.
• Compile certification evidence, track verification completion, and develop certification of flight readiness statements.
• Provide status and update reports to the Organization Chief and to Directorate management.
• Provide technical authority and consultation on Entry, Descent and Landing (EDL) system design, testing, and analysis to programs across NASA.
• Develop strategies for advancing EDL technologies for current and future exploration spacecraft.
• Lead technical meetings, represent the organization at conferences, and build partnerships with industry, government agencies, and universities.
• Mentor junior engineers, interns, and academic researchers in EDL systems analysis and testing.
• Advise management on priorities, feasibility, and risks of EDL technology development projects.
• Propose and develop innovative concepts in collaboration with industry and government partners to advance state-of-the-art EDL technology.

Requisition Qualifications: This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

• Typically requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Engineering and normally possess 5-10 years of related experience. License and certification may be required.
• BS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited engineering school.
• Minimum of 5 years of engineering analysis experience related to thermal control systems.
• Experience working with complex, vehicle level models with multiple system interactions
• Excellent technical writing skills and the ability to use data to draw conclusions and support the conclusions when challenged.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills in a team environment.

Requisition Preferences:

• Experience with developing and reviewing simulation models of spacecraft hardware and systems at varying levels of fidelity ranging from detailed, first-principal models to more descriptive lumped-parameter models.
• Experience with flight hardware test plan development and execution.
• Experience with requirements definition and validation of space flight hardware.
• Knowledge of programming in one or more of the following: Python or MATLAB

Why Join Our Team? In addition to exciting career opportunities, we also have:

• Excellent personal and professional career growth
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
• Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)
• Much, much more!

Essential Functions Work Environment Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task. Physical Requirements Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time). Equipment and Machines Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.). Attendance Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements. Other Essential Functions Professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.