Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) 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 Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) Engineer and 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 Thermal and Life Support System 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 Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) 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. 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:

- Develop new, higher capability TPS materials and coatings to advance future mission capabilities.

- Conduct laboratory and high-temperature testing of TPS materials in support of design, development, test and evaluation.

- Plan testing and analyze results from high enthalpy test facilities (arc jet, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch, etc.).

- Perform thermal analysis of spacecraft thermal protection systems using a suite of analytical tools in support of design, development, test and evaluation.

- Responsible for ensuring the function and safety of the TPS for NASA programs while supporting real-time mission operations and decision making on critical TPS issues.

- Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

- A BS Engineering degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or comparable engineering discipline from an accredited engineering school.

- Experience with programming.

- Experience working in laboratory environments.

- Strong technical writing and presentation skills, able to articulate conclusions and defend them when challenged.

- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

PREFERRED :

- Knowledge of aerothermal environments, including high-temperature gas dynamics and aerodynamics.

- Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) interpretation/generation.

- Understanding of TPS physics under high enthalpy flow (ablation, multi-phase equilibria, radiative transport).

- Experience with thermal response codes such as CHAR, FIAT, or PATO.

- Experience with 3D Modeling software.

- Familiarity with ablators, reusable TPS, and hot structure materials.

- High enthalpy test experience in facilities such as arc jets or inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torches.

- Experience managing complex spacecraft systems/projects.

- Ability to clearly communicate robust technical positions on TPS matters affecting human spaceflight.

- Willingness to serve as focal point for mission support and rapid decision-making in critical mission operational environments.

- 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.