TPS Engineer - R0161079 Job

The Amentum Space Exploration Division (ASED), a primary contractor for NASA since 1989, is comprised of 10 companies and is located at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL.
Grow With Us
Your growth matters to us—that’s why we offer a variety of ways for you to develop your career. With professional and leadership development opportunities like Team Lead Academy, education reimbursement, mentoring, and company sponsored networking events, you can take control of your own career path on your own terms with a company that believes in you.
A Place Where You Belong
At the Amentum Space Exploration Division, people are at the heart of our business. We reflect a diversity of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. We expect our people, clients, and partners to treat one another with dignity and respect. This means promoting inclusion, celebrating diversity, and appreciating the differences we all bring to our workplace.
Support Your Well-Being
Our comprehensive benefits package includes wellness programs, 11 paid holidays, parental leave, paid time off, employee perks and much more. With these benefits, plus the option for flexible schedules and possible remote a few days a week (depending on customer requirements) we’ll support you as you pursue a balanced, fulfilling life—at work and at home.

Position Description:
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.

A degree in engineering (Mechanical, Materials, Chemical, Aerospace, or related field) is required. A degree from an ABET accredited university is preferred. Experience working with materials, coatings, or manufacturing processes is required.
• 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.
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.

Star ID will be required to obtain access to MSFC.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.
We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.
We are a background screening, drug-free workplace.
ASED offers a partnership in which you can grow personally and professionally within a framework of strong leadership, competitive compensation, and rewarding career paths. Come join our team on the Engineering Services and Science Capability Augmentation (ESSCA) contract whose work is destined to have a long-range effect on future generations!
For more information on why Huntsville is known as “one of the smartest cities in the nation”, check out these websites:
• https://hsvchamber.org/
• www.Huntsville.org/
• https://www.movoto.com/guide/huntsville-al/moving-to-huntsville/
• https://realestate.usnews.com/places/alabama/huntsville
• https://iveyhsv.com/real-estate-blog/13-reasons-why-you-should-move-to-huntsville/

To review career opportunities and to submit your resume for Amentum Space Exploration Division in Huntsville, AL, visit https://ased.space/.
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