Senior Thermal Protection Systems; TPS Engineer

Overview

Are you passionate about human space exploration and the origins of the universe? We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people worldwide. Join NASA’s largest engineering solutions provider, working with NASA at centers across the United States to shape, develop, and deliver thermal protection systems (TPS) that enable space exploration while benefiting life on Earth.

• Act as a focal point for coordinating the external TPS community across commercial and defense TPS development and testing.
• Provide expert guidance on TPS development and qualification of advanced TPS materials and coatings to meet the demands of future crewed and uncrewed missions.
• Assist with interpreting high‑enthalpy testing campaigns (arc jet, ICP torch, etc.) to validate TPS performance under extreme conditions.
• Support development and maintenance of a TPS technology roadmap, ensuring alignment with program goals and future mission needs.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the strategic planning of TPS R&D initiatives.

• Equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline from an accredited institution, with at least 15years of experience.
• 15+years of relevant experience in aerospace engineering, focused 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.
• Proven experience in TPS integration and flight certification, including system‑level verification and validation processes.
• Experience supporting multidisciplinary technical reviews and serving as a TPS subject‑matter expert for program‑level decision boards.

Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency may be a requirement for this position. Completion of a U.S. government background investigation is required.

• Deep understanding of current and emerging challenges, gaps, and mission needs driving TPS development for future spacecraft.
• Knowledge of the breadth of TPS materials, including ablative and reusable TPS materials, and hot‑structure technologies.
• Familiarity with post‑flight TPS reconstruction, anomaly forensics, and correlation of flight data with ground‑test results.
• Comfortable serving as a technical authority that represents the TPS discipline to external stakeholders and collaborators.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k) matching
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax‑saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance (where applicable)

SME1–SME3 – The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is a good‑faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

• Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods, lifting and carrying up to 25lbs.
• Office and occasional external work depending on tasks.
• Regular attendance in accordance with the established work schedule is critical.
• Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust to peak periods and surge requirements.
• Professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation.
• Appropriate grooming and dress; no safety hazards to the employee or others.

Amentum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, ancestry, U.S. military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low‑income status, or mental or physical disability, so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.