Softgoods Designer

Are you passionate about solving complex problems? Join our dynamic team as a Softgood Engineering Designer 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 Engineering Department on the NASA JSC Engineering, (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 Softgood Engineering Technologist , 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.

Responsibilities

The Softgoods Engineering Technologist will:
• Design, develop, fabricate, and support testing of new and innovative functional softgoods articles for advanced exploration space suits and ancillary support softgoods items for the Advanced Suit Team.
• Work at a high level of technical proficiency and with detailed attention to craftsmanship and presentation.
• Collaborate and communicate with engineers, technicians, and other designers to understand requirements of working on a variety of suited space systems and hardware.
• Clearly and thoroughly present design concepts and considerations.
• Take ownership of design tasks and show initiative to complete projects.
• Perform machine maintenance, repair, and custom modifications to tailor the machines for unique operations as required.
• Create patterns and develop mockups for verifying fit and function of Softgoods articles.
• Interpret fabrication drawings to assemble sewn products and other Softgoods.
• Document any new design work and clearly define process and techniques.
• Seek out new manufacturing techniques and innovative materials.
• Keep the lab spaces clean, organized, and well maintained to perform the duties stated above.
• Occasionally travel to other NASA centers or contractors to perform Softgoods fabrication and installation.
• Be able to lift and transport materials and equipment.
• Be able to work in confined spaces, climb stairs, steps, and ladders.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

Required

• Typically requires a HS diploma and 5 years of experience or BS in Engineering Technology or related field
• Experience in a soft goods development lab environment with emphasis in soft goods design and fabrication.
• Demonstrated capability to successfully devise solutions to complex design challenges independently and by soliciting inputs from other technical experts.
• Expertise in a wide range of hands-on fabrication techniques and sewing processes – sewing machines, laser cutters, fabric welders, 3D printers, bandsaws, drills, hand tools, etc.
• Demonstrated success working with a cross disciplinary team.
• Proficiency utilizing CAD programs and other software's such as Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience in Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, and Rhino 8.

Requisition Preferences:

• A BA, BFA, or BS in Industrial Design, Apparel Design, or equivalent is desired.
• Experience in aerospace product design processes including ability to read, understand, and create fabrication drawings.
• Experience with fabricating processes for prototyping Softgoods products.
• Familiarity with softgoods article and textiles testing procedures.
• Ancillary experience in any number of manufacturing, testing, or design processes that could be beneficial to furthering the development of advanced space suit technologies
• Understanding of materials characteristics and properties of advanced space grade textiles and other materials.
• Familiarity with the NASA/JSC Softgoods design and development and the JETS Engineering Life Cycle processes.

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.

Essential Functions

• Work Environment - Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.
• Physical Requirements - Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).
• Equipment and Machines - Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).
• Attendance - Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements.
• Other Essential Functions - 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/hazard to the employee or others.

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.