Thermal Protection Systems Engineer

Overview

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. Our long-term client relationship with Amentum has led to a need for a Thermal Protection Systems Engineer (TPS) on the JETS contract at Johnson Space Center (Houston, TX).

Building on more than four decades of experience in providing innovative integration solutions for government and commercial space programs, Barrios offers an extensive range of engineering, software, and related technology integration services in support of the aerospace community. As a woman-owned and operated small business, we are a people-focused company that supports professional development, while working to ensure that you maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

Barrios employees actively participate in the growth of the commercial spaceflight industry through our partnerships with companies leading commercial space development, as well as successfully supporting NASA as our primary government customer. Our long history supporting Low Earth Orbit (LEO) on the International Space Station, and now Commercial LEO, lays the groundwork for future missions to the Moon through our work on Orion, Gateway, and the Space Launch System. 

Responsibilities

The Thermal Protection Systems Engineer (TPS) will:

• Develop new, higher capability TPS materials and coatings to advance future mission capabilities
• Conduct laboratory and high-temperature testing of TPS materials in support of design, development, test and evaluation
• Plan testing and analyze results from high enthalpy test facilities (arc jet, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch, etc.)
• Perform thermal analysis of spacecraft thermal protection systems using a suite of analytical tools in support of design, development, test and evaluation 
• Responsible for ensuring the function and safety of the TPS for NASA programs while supporting real-time missionoperations and decision making on critical TPS issues

Qualifications

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

Required Education/Experience/Skills:

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering with experience in the field or in a related area 
• BS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or comparable engineering discipline from an accredited engineering school 
• Experience with programming
• Experience working in laboratory environments 
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills, able to articulate conclusions and defend them when challenged 
• Excellent communication and teamwork skill

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills:

• Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) interpretation/generation
• Understanding of TPS physics under high enthalpy flow (ablation, multi-phase equilibria, radiative transport)
• Experience with thermal response codes such as CHAR, FIAT, or PATO
• Experience with 3D Modeling software
• Familiarity with ablators, reusable TPS, and hot structure materials
• High enthalpy test experience in facilities such as arc jets or inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torches
• Experience managing complex spacecraft systems/projects
• Ability to clearly communicate robust technical positions on TPS matters affecting human spaceflight
• Willingness to serve as focal point for mission support and rapid decision-making in critical mission operational environments

Essential Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and successfully complete a U.S. government background investigation
• Post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol as outlined in our Drug Free Workplace policy
• Work may involve sitting for extended periods
• May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs
• Must have sufficient mobility to enter areas of test facilities where necessary
• Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task
• Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, fax, etc.)
• 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 when required
• Must be able to work in a team atmosphere
• Must put forward a 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
• This position may require some commuting and traveling to other installations as needed

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity; for immediate consideration, apply now!

Barrios Technology is a drug-free workplace, which is imperative to the health and safety of all employees and is required as a condition of receiving contracts from federal agencies. Please remember that regardless of the legalization of marijuana in several states, possession and use continues to be illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This includes the use of some CBD products. A post-offer, pre-employment drug test is a condition of employment.

Barrios Technology is an Equal Employment Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.