Textile Chemical Engineer

Company Profile

Oceaneering Space Systems (OSS) develops, integrates, and applies new and innovative technologies to meet the challenges of working in space and other harsh environments. We are ideally positioned to meet the growing needs of NASA and the expanding commercial and Department of Defense (DOD) markets.

Oceaneering Aerospace and Defense Technologies (AdTech) delivers solutions that enable humans to work safely and effectively in harsh environments – from underwater to the outer reaches of space. Our innovative solutions support the development and application of practical, cost-effective systems that meet our customers’ challenges – from routine to extreme. Our experience and expertise across multiple industries uniquely positions us as a leader in the government, space, and maritime services markets. Our products and services meet the rigorous demands of the complex environments in which they operate, delivering results without compromising safety or reliability.

Oceaneering is a global provider of engineered services and products, primarily to the offshore energy industry. We develop products and services for use throughout the lifecycle of an offshore oilfield, from drilling to decommissioning. We operate the world's premier fleet of work class ROVs. Additionally, we are a leader in offshore oilfield maintenance services, umbilicals, subsea hardware, and tooling. We also use applied technology expertise to serve the defense, entertainment, material handling, aerospace, science, and renewable energy industries.

Position Summary

Are you passionate about solving complex problems? Join our dynamic team as a Textile Chemical Engineerand become a vital contributor to support NASA as an Oceaneering Teammate on the JSC Engineering, Technology, and Science (JETS) II contract. As an integral part of our organization, you'll play a crucial role in the Materials Analysis section in the Engineering Department on the NASA JSC Engineering, Technology and Science II (JETS II) Contract.

This role will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the thrilling world of human spaceflight and deep space exploration programs. Your contributions will ensure that our services not only meet - but outperform all standards and expectations. As a Textile Chemical Engineer, you'll find yourself at the forefront of innovation, collaborating with a passionate team who shares your dedication to excellence. If you're seeking to immerse yourself in an environment where your skills and expertise will make a genuine impact, we invite you to join our team!

We are seeking someone with a keen eye for detail, a strong commitment to owning their work, and providing superior quality. You should be a person who thrives in a diverse environment and who is comfortable communicating at all levels of the organization. To be successful in this role, you should have a sense of genuine, engaging curiosity, and a desire for growth and continuous learning.

Someone in this role would typically have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and two (2) years of experience. This position can be hired at any level in our professional career framework, depending on business need at the time of hire.

International travel may be required. Straight time overtime, 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), and/or 1 day of telework per week may be available

Duties And Responsibilities

Some of your major responsibilities will include:

- Lead and support the evaluation, selection, optimization and development of softgoods materials (e.g., textiles, films, nonwovens) for NASA crewed spaceflight systems, including garments, habitat interiors, space suit materials, parachutes, inflatable structures, hygiene/sanitation products, etc.

- Identify, formulate, and apply functional coatings and finishes to textiles to meet mission-specific requirements such as flame resistance, thermal regulation, microbial control, abrasion resistance, lunar regolith protection, etc.

- Support various NASA programs by leading the technology development of various textile coating systems to enhance the performance of textiles in extreme environment, such as high oxygen, vacuum, and cryogenic temperatures

- Act as primary reviewer and approver for NASA Material Usage Agreements (MUL) to ensure materials are compliant to be used in specific test conditions for testing performed in NASA thermal vacuum chambers.

- Provide technical support related to non-metallic and softgoods materials for R&D activities under the NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

- Support NASA Materials and Processes (M&P) engineers with respect to the evaluation and selection of non-metallic and softgoods materials.

- Perform testing and characterization on non-metallic materials as needed.

- Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering and two (2) or more years of related work experience in related area.

- Experience on formulating chemical finishes or coatings to impart specific functional properties to textiles (e.g., flame retardancy, abrasion resistance, water/oil repellency, anti-microbial growth).

- Experience on applying coatings to textiles using methods such as impregnation, knife-over-roll, spraying, or other industrial finishing techniques.

- Experience working with high performance fibers and good understanding on different textile structures and their manufacturing methods.

- Experience on technical or functional textile material development is preferred.

- Ability to work collaboratively and independently in a multidisciplinary field.

- Self-starter and quick learner with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

PREFERRED:

- 3-7 years of relevant experience in textile engineering and textile chemistry, with demonstrated knowledge in textile coating formulation and application.

- Bachelor's or higher education in Textile Chemistry, Textile Engineering, Fiber Science, Polymer Science or closely related field.

- M.S. or PhD preferred.

- 5+ years of direct experience with textiles characterization, formulating chemical finishes or coatings, fiber science.

- Previous experience supporting a NASA program on structural textiles and soft goods development.

- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is 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.

Additional Information

PAY, BENEFITS AND WORK SCHEDULE:

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Employee benefits vary by role, however, may include Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Retirement Savings, Life and Disability, Paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, and an Employee Assistance Program.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for all positions without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other non-merit factors.

How To Apply

Regular full-time employees who apply will be considered along with external candidates. Employees with less than six months with their current position are not eligible to apply for job postings. Please discuss your interest in the position with your current manager/supervisor prior to submitting your completed application.