Softgoods Engineering Technologist

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.

Softgoods Engineering Technologist to join our JETS II contract team at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX
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• Design, develop, fabricate, and support testing of new and innovative functional softgoods articles for advanced exploration space suits and ancillary support softgoods items for the Advanced Suit Team.
• Work at a high level of technical proficiency and with detailed attention to craftsmanship and presentation.
• Collaborate and communicate with engineers, technicians, and other designers to understand requirements of working on a variety of suited space systems and hardware.
• Clearly and thoroughly present design concepts and considerations.
• Take ownership of design tasks and show initiative to complete projects.
• Perform machine maintenance, repair, and custom modifications to tailor the machines for unique operations as required.
• Create patterns and develop mockups for verifying fit and function of Softgoods articles.
• Interpret fabrication drawings to assemble sewn products and other Softgoods.
• Document any new design work and clearly define process and techniques.
• Seek out new manufacturing techniques and innovative materials.
• Keep the lab spaces clean, organized, and well maintained to perform the duties stated above.
• Occasionally travel to other NASA centers or contractors to perform Softgoods fabrication and installation.
• Be able to lift and transport materials and equipment.
• Be able to work in confined spaces, climb stairs, steps, and ladders.
• Perform other duties as required.

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 HS diploma and 15 years of experience or BS in Engineering Technology or related field and 5 years of experience.
• Experience in a soft goods development lab environment with emphasis in soft goods design and fabrication.
• Demonstrated capability to successfully devise solutions to complex design challenges independently and by soliciting inputs from other technical experts.
• Expertise in a wide range of hands‑on fabrication techniques and sewing processes – sewing machines, laser cutters, fabric welders, 3D printers, bandsaws, drills, hand tools, etc.
• Demonstrated success working with a cross disciplinary team.
• Proficiency utilizing CAD programs and other software's such as Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience in Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, and Rhino 8.

• A BA, BFA, or BS in Industrial Design, Apparel Design, or equivalent is desired.
• Experience in aerospace product design processes including ability to read, understand, and create fabrication drawings.
• Experience with fabricating processes for prototyping Softgoods products.
• Familiarity with softgoods article and textiles testing procedures.
• Ancillary experience in any number of manufacturing, testing, or design processes that could be beneficial to furthering the development of advanced space suit technologies.
• Understanding of materials characteristics and properties of advanced space grade textiles and other materials.
• Familiarity with the NASA/JSC Softgoods design and development and the JETS Engineering Life Cycle processes.

• 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
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