Thermal Protection System (TPS) Engineer (ES3)

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Overview:

The Non‑Metallic Materials and Space Environmental Effects Team is seeking a Thermal Protection System (TPS) Engineer to lead the development, processing, and verification of aerospace thermal protection materials and application methods. This role provides engineering direction for TPS technicians and is responsible for planning, documenting, and overseeing the execution of TPS activities including spray‑foam application, aerospace coatings, pour foams, adhesives, surface preparation, and machining‐related operations. The TPS Engineer will ensure that all work meets engineering, quality, and safety requirements while supporting flight and development hardware.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership and daily guidance to TPS technicians performing foam spraying, coating application, adhesive bonding, surface preparation, masking, and machining operations.
• Develop and maintain engineering process documentation, including work instructions, material process specifications, and verification plans.
• Plan and oversee TPS processing activities, ensuring proper material selection, environmental controls, equipment configuration, and quality compliance.
• Conduct engineering evaluations of TPS materials, including processing trials, cure studies, and application parameter optimization.
• Review technician documentation, verify process adherence, and ensure full traceability of materials and hardware.
• Coordinate with engineers, project leads, and quality representatives to ensure TPS processing meets all program and mission requirements.

Additional responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Support troubleshooting of spray equipment, mixing/dispensing systems, and environmental controls, providing engineering direction for corrective actions.
• Perform engineering analyses related to TPS performance, process capability, or material behavior.
• Lead or assist in the design of fixtures, tooling, and test setups used for TPS applications and verification.
• Review hardware for process readiness, including surface condition, masking layout, dimensional checks, and part configuration.
• Participate in design reviews, safety reviews, and customer technical discussions related to TPS materials and processes.
• Recommend and implement process improvements, including material changes, new equipment, or updated procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Materials, Chemical, Aerospace, or related field) from an ABET accredited university and experience working with materials, coatings, or manufacturing processes.

• Ph.D. with some experience
• MS with at least 3 years of experience, or
• BS with at least 5-10 years of experience.

• Demonstrated ability to develop, follow, and enforce detailed procedures and engineering instructions.
• Experience with polymer‑based materials, coatings, adhesives, or TPS‑related systems.
• Familiarity with lab or shop environments involving hands‑on hardware processing.
• Strong documentation, communication, and technical writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and provide direction to technicians executing engineering tasks.
• Must be a US Citizen and have a STAR ID

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with aerospace TPS materials, including spray foams, ablative coatings, adhesives, and specialized insulative systems.
• Prior leadership or oversight of technicians or shop-floor operations.
• Experience with paint/coating operations, surface prep standards, or application parameter engineering.
• Background in machining, fixture design, or hardware preparation for materials processing.
• Familiarity with NASA or aerospace material specifications and configuration control processes.
• Experience with automated spray, mixing, or robotic application systems.

Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily performed in a shop or laboratory environment supporting material processing, machining, and related activities, requiring standing for extended periods and use of appropriate PPE such as safety glasses, safety shoes, and hearing protection.
• Occasional time in full Tyvek (“bunny suit”) protective clothing and a respirator may be required when supervising or participating in operations involving specific foam, coating, or adhesive systems; these activities may involve elevated heat or discomfort, with breaks provided.
• Short periods of sitting for computer-based work and meetings are also required.

Work Environment

• Work will be performed primarily in indoor labs (80%) and in a general office environment (15%). Occasional work outdoors is required (5% or less). 
• Requires effective interaction with engineers, technicians, managers, and MSFC customers, and clear, concise communication in both written and verbal forms.

Attendance

• Work assignments are normally 10-hour shifts, 4 consecutive days per week.  Normal workdays are 6:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Thursday but may be adjusted to meet customer requirements or needs of employee. 
• Regular attendance and punctuality are mandatory.

Other Essential Functions

• US Citizenship is required.
• Must communicate effectively and work both independently and in coordination with technicians and engineering peers.
• Grooming and dress must be appropriate and comply with all safety requirements.
• Must comply with federal and company “drug‑free workplace” policies; drug testing is mandatory for sensitive positions.
• Must pass all physicals required for this role.

#ASED  #Amentum  #ESSCA

       

Compensation Details:

ES3

       

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. 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.

 

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• 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

 

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

       

Original Posting:

05/11/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

       

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States 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, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.