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Mclaurin Aerospace · 4 weeks ago

Orion Thermal Protection System (TPS) Engineer

Houston, TX, USA, 77058

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

5+ years exp

Mclaurin Aerospace is focused on human space exploration and innovation, and they are seeking an Orion Thermal Protection System (TPS) Engineer to join their JETS II contract team at NASA Johnson Space Center. The role involves leading subsystem management for the Orion Heatshield, overseeing thermal analysis and test efforts, and providing technical authority on Entry, Descent and Landing (EDL) system design and analysis.

AerospaceTest and Measurement

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Lead subsystem management for the Orion Heatshield, including certification planning, testing, and build oversight

Oversee the development of thermal models, stress analyses, and test techniques to ensure successful heatshield certification

Evaluate proposed designs and specifications for Avcoat blocks, identifying deficiencies and recommending alternative approaches to meet technical and safety requirements

Direct thermal analysis and test efforts performed by NASA civil servants and contractors across multiple centers

Assess all heatshield related hardware designs and supporting data at critical design and hardware acceptance reviews

Coordinate material property testing to support thermal and mechanical model development, delivering ablative thermal material models to Lockheed Martin for thermal sizing

Define and manage test plans for arc jet and radiant heatshield test programs

Provide on-site technical expertise for block bonding and gap filling operations at Kennedy Space Center

Compile certification evidence, track verification completion, and develop certification of flight readiness statements

Provides status and update reports to the Organization Chief and to Directorate management

Provide technical authority and consultation on Entry, Descent and Landing (EDL) system design, testing, and analysis to programs across NASA

Develop strategies for advancing EDL technologies for current and future exploration spacecraft

Lead technical meetings, represent the organization at conferences, and build partnerships with industry, government agencies, and universities

Mentor junior engineers, interns, and academic researchers in EDL systems analysis and testing

Advise management on priorities, feasibility, and risks of EDL technology development projects

Propose and develop innovative concepts in collaboration with industry and government partners to advance state-of-the-art EDL technology

Qualification

Thermal control systemsMechanical EngineeringAerospace EngineeringPythonMATLABEngineering analysisSimulation modelsTest plan developmentRequirements definitionTechnical writingPresentation skillsCommunication skills

Required

Typically requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Engineering and normally possess 5-10 years of related experience. License and certification may be required

BS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited engineering school

Minimum of 5 years of engineering analysis experience related to thermal control systems

Experience working with complex, vehicle level models with multiple system interactions

Excellent technical writing skills and the ability to use data to draw conclusions and support the conclusions when challenged

Excellent presentation skills

Demonstrate excellent communication skills in a team environment

US Citizenship and the ability to pass a comprehensive security background investigation is required

Preferred

Experience with developing and reviewing simulation models of spacecraft hardware and systems at varying levels of fidelity ranging from detailed, first-principal models to more descriptive lumped-parameter models

Experience with flight hardware test plan development and execution

Experience with requirements definition and validation of space flight hardware

Knowledge of programming in one or more of the following: Python or MATLAB

Benefits

Competitive pay

Positive work-life balance

100% Employer paid insurance including: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, and long-term disability

11 paid holidays annually

Generous PTO

401k after 12 months of service with employer match

Education assistance

Relocation assistance (if applicable)