Thermal Protection Systems Engineer

About the role

We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic Thermal Protection Systems Engineer (TPS) to join our team at Barrios, a company supporting NASA's space exploration missions. This role involves developing new materials and conducting tests to ensure spacecraft safety and performance.

Responsibilities

• 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, 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
• Ensure the function and safety of the TPS for NASA programs while supporting real-time mission operations and decision making on critical TPS issues

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 degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or comparable engineering discipline from an accredited engineering school
• Experience with programming
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills, able to articulate conclusions and defend them when challenged
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of aerothermal environments, including high-temperature gas dynamics and aerodynamics
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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