Flammability & Nonmetallic Materials Engineer

About the role

We are seeking a Flammability & Nonmetallic Materials Engineer to join our JETS II contract team at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. The ideal candidate 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 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.
• 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.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

• 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 including the ability to prepare and give presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

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

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)