Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) Engineer
Mclaurin AerospaceAre 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.
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.
- 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.
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 bachelor's degree in Engineering with experience in the field or in a related area.
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 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.
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)
Mclaurin is a unique organization with a special focus on combining the best features of research and industry in order to foster innovation. Our organization strongly supports research, publication, and engagement with the academic community. We encourage our employees to remain on the cutting edge of new developments in their respective disciplines.
US Citizenship and the ability to pass a comprehensive security background investigation is required.
Mclaurin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.