Senior Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) Engineer

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!

We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA’s pursuits in deep space exploration. As NASA’s largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States.

We have an exciting opportunity for a part-time Senior Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) Engineer to join the JETSII Contract.

We are seeking a Senior Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) Engineer to provide technical leadership and strategic insight in support of current and next-generation spacecraft programs. This role is ideal for a subject matter expert with a strong background in TPS design, analysis, and testing, and a proven track record of contributing to mission‑critical aerospace systems.

As a senior technical contributor, you will help shape the direction of TPS technology development, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and provide expert guidance during high‑stakes decision‑making for NASA programs. The scope of this position spans materials innovation, high‑temperature testing, thermal modeling, and system‑level integration.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Requisition Qualifications

This position has been posted at multiple levels.Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

• Typically, educational requirements are the equivalent of a BS with at least 15 years of experience.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.

• 15+ years of relevant experience in aerospace engineering, with a focus 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.

Requisition Preferences

• 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, as well as 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 / collaborators

Why Join Our Team?

In addition to exciting career opportunities, we also have:

• Excellent personal and professional career growth
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
• Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)
• Much, much more!

For more information on our partnership with NASA at Johnson Space Center (JSC), please visit

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be a requirement for this position.
• Must be able tocomplete 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.

#JETS #JETSII

Compensation Details

SME1-SME3

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

06/04/2026 - Until Filled

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