Thermal Protection System (TPS) Technician (Non?Metallics-ET6)

Thermal Protection System (TPS) Technician (Non?Metallics-ET6)

The Non?Metallic Materials and Space Environmental Effects Team is seeking a hands?on, detail?oriented Thermal Protection System (TPS) Technician to support the application, processing, and documentation of aerospace thermal protection materials. This role focuses on spraying insulative aerospace foams, applying aerospace coatings/paints, dispensing pour?foams and adhesives, performing surface preparation and masking, and executing precision machining tasks. The technician will follow detailed instructions and procedures while supporting TPS processing in a laboratory environment, contributing directly to flight and development hardware.

Key Responsibilities:

• Apply aerospace insulative spray foams, coatings, and paints following controlled procedures and engineering instructions.
• Perform pour?foam mixing, dispensing, and curing operations, including mold preparation and adhesive application.
• Conduct surface preparation and masking operations on flight and development hardware to ensure proper material adhesion and quality.
• Operate shop tools and perform light machining required for fixture preparation, sample fabrication, and TPS processing support.
• Follow detailed work instructions, material process specifications, and quality documentation requirements.
• Maintain accurate process documentation, including material traceability, environmental conditions, and equipment usage logs.

Additional responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Assist in setup, operation, and troubleshooting of automated or semi?automated spray equipment and mixing/dispensing tools.
• Support maintenance of laboratory equipment, consumable tracking, safety compliance, and cleanliness standards.
• Document work performed, recording observations, deviations, and configuration changes with high accuracy.
• Assist engineers with test article preparation, prototype TPS development, and continuous improvement of material processing workflows.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Typically, educational requirement is a High School diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or equivalent; candidate must have at least 15 years of experience and continuing education, or an associate's degree or equivalent and at least 10 years of experience that proves mechanical aptitude and ability to work effectively without direct supervision.
• Hands?on experience in laboratory, shop, coating, painting, or materials processing environments.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures, safety protocols, and engineering instructions accurately.
• Familiarity with spray systems, adhesives, coatings, or polymer?based materials, or willingness to learn.
• Experience using measurement tools, basic machining tools, and standard laboratory/shop equipment.
• Basic computer skills and comfort with electronic documentation systems.
• Must be a US Citizen and have a STAR ID.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience applying aerospace foams, coatings, adhesives, or similar TPS materials.
• Background in coating application, paint booth operation, mask?and?prep work, or polymer processing.
• Prior work involving machining, fixture fabrication, or precision hardware preparation.
• Experience operating automated mixing, spraying, or dispensing equipment.
• Familiarity with non?metallic materials, including foams, polymers, adhesives, and elastomers.

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 work in full Tyvek ("bunny suit") protective gear and respirator is required when handling specific foam, coating, or adhesive systems. These tasks may involve elevated heat and physical discomfort, but are broken up into rotational breaks.
• Short periods of sitting at a computer or participating in meetings will also be 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).
• Must interact effectively with coworkers, managers, and MSFC customers, and communicate clearly in written and verbal form.

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 be able to communicate effectively and work under supervision as needed.
• Grooming and dress must be appropriate and compliant with safety requirements.
• Must comply with all federal and company "drug?free workplace" requirements; drug testing is mandatory for employees in sensitive positions.
• Must pass all physicals required for this role.

Service Contract Act (SCA) Compensation & Benefits:

This is an hourly, overtime-eligible position that falls under the Service Contract Act (SCA). In accordance with the Health and Welfare provisions of the SCA, and in addition to your base hourly rate, you may be eligible to receive an additional health and welfare payment for each hour you work to ensure compliance with the minimums set forth by the act. The amount you are entitled to receive will vary depending upon the fringe benefits you select now and in the future.

Compensation Details:

ET6

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:

• 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.