Amentum
Orion Thermal Protection System (TPS) Engineer
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.
Responsibilities
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 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
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-principle models to 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
Excellent personal and professional career growth
9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)
Much, much more!
For more information on our partnership with NASA at Johnson Space Center (JSC), please visit www.wehavespaceforyou.com
Other Essentials
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be a requirement for this position.
Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.
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Responsibilities
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 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
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-principle models to 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
Excellent personal and professional career growth
9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)
Much, much more!
For more information on our partnership with NASA at Johnson Space Center (JSC), please visit www.wehavespaceforyou.com
Other Essentials
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be a requirement for this position.
Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.
#J-18808-Ljbffr