Astrion · 17 hours ago
Orion Thermal Protection System (TPS) Engineer
Houston, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expAstrion is a leading engineering solutions provider partnering with NASA for deep space exploration challenges. The Orion Thermal Protection System (TPS) Engineer will provide subsystem management and technical leadership for the certification, testing, and build of the Orion Heatshield, acting as an expert in spacecraft thermal design and testing.
AerospaceManufacturingSpace Travel
No H1B
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
Required
Bachelor's 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
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
Company
Astrion
Astrion is a provider of mission support and advanced engineering services.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
David Zolet
Chief Executive Officer
Dalia Khanafseh
Senior Vice President, Transformation
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