Thermal Protection System; TPS Engineer

Job Description - Thermal Protection System (TPS) Engineer (ADV
000CP
L)

We are looking for a Thermal Protection System (TPS) Engineer to join our team at Barrios, working closely with interdisciplinary engineering teams to support the design, analysis, development, testing, and certification of advanced TPS architectures for human‑rated and uncrewed spacecraft. The role involves the full lifecycle of TPS development for atmospheric entry, ascent, and on‑orbit thermal environments across a variety of space vehicles.

• Support the design, analysis, and verification of ablative, reusable, and multi‑layer insulating TPS materials for spacecraft.
• Develop thermal models and perform transient/steady‑state analyses to evaluate TPS performance across mission phases.
• Conduct material trade studies, risk identification, and mitigation planning.
• Support TPS subsystem requirements development, validation, and configuration management.
• Interface with structural, aerothermal, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to integrate TPS solutions into the vehicle design.
• Review aerothermal environment predictions and translate loads into actionable TPS design criteria.
• Participate in fabrication process development, qualification testing, and non‑destructive evaluation planning.
• Conduct laboratory and high‑temperature testing of TPS materials to support design, development, test, and evaluation.
• Plan testing and analyze results from high enthalpy test facilities such as arc‑jet and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch.
• Support anomaly investigations and root‑cause analyses related to TPS performance.
• Prepare technical documentation including analysis reports, presentations, verification artifacts, and data packages.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of engineering analysis experience related to thermal control systems.
• Experience with thermal modeling tools such as Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, FEMAP, Abaqus, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience with spacecraft aerothermal environments, material characterization, and TPS design processes.
• Understanding of spacecraft certification, qualification, or verification/validation processes.
• Strong communication, documentation, and technical reasoning skills.

• Master’s degree or PhD in a related engineering discipline.
• Experience with re‑entry vehicles, launch vehicles, or commercial spaceflight programs.
• Knowledge of ablative materials, reusable TPS systems, composites, high‑temperature ceramics, or insulation blankets.
• Understanding of TPS physics under high enthalpy flow (ablation, multi‑phase equilibria, radiative transport).
• Experience with heat testing (arc‑jet, plasma torch, furnace testing) and associated data reduction.
• Familiarity with CAD tools, structural analysis, or multidisciplinary integration workflows.
• Experience in leadership or technical oversight roles.

• Excellent personal and professional career growth.
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off) when applicable.
• Onsite cafeteria with breakfast and lunch.
• Additional benefits and opportunities to contribute to NASA’s deep space exploration missions.

General office environment, with occasional inside or outside work depending on tasks.

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 the 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 or hazard.