Senior Thermal Protection Systems; TPS Engineer

Senior Thermal Protection Systems (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.

• Lead the development and qualification of advanced TPS materials and coatings to meet the demands of future crewed and uncrewed missions.
• Oversee and interpret high-enthalpy testing campaigns (arc jet, ICP torch, etc.) to validate TPS performance under extreme conditions.
• Develop and maintain the TPS technology roadmap, ensuring alignment with program goals and future mission needs.
• Serve as a technical focal point for TPS-related mission operations, including real-time anomaly resolution and risk assessment.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the strategic planning of TPS R&D initiatives.
• Collaborate across disciplines to ensure TPS integration aligns with vehicle-level thermal, structural, and aerodynamic requirements.

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Engineering; a related master’s or higher degree is preferred and normally requires 15+ years of related experience.
• 15+ years of relevant experience in aerospace engineering, with a focus on thermal protection systems.
• Extensive experience in TPS design, analysis, and testing, with a deep understanding of material behavior in high-enthalpy environments.
• Demonstrated excellence in technical communication, including the ability to defend complex analyses and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Proven experience in TPS integration and flight certification, including system-level verification and validation processes.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• Advanced knowledge of aerothermal environments, including high-temperature gas dynamics and radiative heat transfer.
• Familiarity with CFD tools and interpretation of flowfield data for TPS boundary conditions.
• Familiarity with thermal response modeling using tools such as CHAR, FIAT, or PATO.
• Familiarity with 3D modeling and CAD tools for TPS design and integration.
• Hands‑on experience with ablative and reusable TPS materials, as well as hot structure technologies.
• Proven ability to lead or manage complex spacecraft systems or subsystems.
• Comfortable serving as the technical authority during mission operations, including rapid decision‑making under pressure.

• Excellent personal and professional career growth
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
• Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)
• Much, much more!
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency may be a requirement for this position.
• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.

Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.

Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).

Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).

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.

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.