Flammability & Nonmetallic Materials Engineer

About the role

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. The Flammability & Nonmetallic Materials Engineer will provide leadership for projects related to textile materials selection, flammability testing in high oxygen atmospheres, ignition characterization, battery thermal runaway tests, and related test campaigns across multiple NASA centers, partner agencies and commercial entities.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for projects related to textile materials selection, flammability testing in high oxygen atmospheres, ignition characterization, battery thermal runaway tests, and related test campaigns across multiple NASA centers, partner agencies and commercial entities
• Support various NASA programs by providing nonmetallic and fibrous materials expertise for the selection of soft goods and polymeric materials exposed to different atmospheres, high vacuum, and extreme temperatures
• Provide technical leadership on nonmetallic material and fibrous materials selection to use in Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) development for various NASA programs
• Support NASA Materials and Processes (M&P) engineers with respect to the evaluation and selection of nonmetallic and fibrous materials
• Act as primary engineer coordinating various flammability, ignition and combustion tests in accordance with NASA-STD-6001 with the White Sands Test Facility
• Direct development of flammability configuration coupons made from various soft goods and polymeric materials
• Review NASA reports, requirement documents, proposals, conference papers, journal articles related to nonmetallics and fibrous materials
• Perform testing and characterization on nonmetallic materials as needed

Requirements

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering and a minimum of 2- 5 years of experience in the field or in a related area
• BS, MS, or PhD in Polymer Science and Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Fire Science and Engineering, or related field and a minimum of 2 years of direct experience in the field, preferably with some understanding or experience in textiles
• Familiar with high performance polymers that are commonly in film, foam, or fiber form, such as PTFE, PVDF, Aramids, Polyimide, PEEK, PBI, etc
• Familiarity with flammability testing, fire testing, flame testing or combustion testing on polymers
• Experience in characterization methods, such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM/EDS
• Familiar with polymer testing standards
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and productively with team members and cross functional team
• Problem solver and quick learner with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Strong written and verbal communication skills include the ability to prepare and give presentations

Skills

• Experience with textiles for structural applications
• Previous experience supporting a NASA project

Benefits

• Excellent personal and professional career growth
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
• Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)
• 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