Materials and Process Engineer - TPS

The Thermal Protection System (TPS) Engineer will support the development, processing, and qualification of nonmetallic materials used for human spaceflight including thermal protection system spray-on-foam insulation (SOFI), ablatives, paints, primers, and coatings. To that end, the TPS Engineer will be responsible for:

• Working with other engineers on the team and in the MSFC Non-Metallic Materials Branch (EM41) to plan the work in support of project objectives.  
• Developing detailed instructions and track progress in the Solumina work request system. 
• Working with TPS Technicians to safely execute the work and collect necessary data.
• Evaluating data, reporting results, and closing out work orders.
• Routinely communicating information regarding work status, risks, problems, and proposed actions with team personnel, MSFC customers, and ASEG management.
• Make technical recommendations and process improvement suggestions where appropriate.
• Mentor and advise junior engineers.

Work Environment: 

Office environment (50%).  Lab environment (50%).  Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers and all levels of management (100%).  Requires ability to provide clear, concise, and accurate communication, both verbally and in writing (100%).  Requires excellent organizational skills (100%).  

Physical Requirements:

Requires sitting for extended periods of time at a desk in the MSFC NASA facility (55%).  Requires sitting for extended periods of time in meetings with peers, management, and our customer at NASA facilities to discuss technical issues (5%).  Requires ability to walk between floors and between multiple buildings at NASA facilities (10%).   Requires ability to be around lab and other TPS equipment in a safe manner (30%).  

Equipment and Machines: 

Requires ability to operate a personal computer, a telephone, fax machine, copier, calculator, and other general office equipment (100%).

Attendance: 

Normal hours are 7:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., 5 days a week. 4 day/10 hr weekly work schedule available if desired.  Attendance and being prompt is important to provide continuous service to the customer. Overtime is minimal, but important when required (10%).

Other Essential Functions:

The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment is essential (100%). Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

Requirements

Qualifications:

A BS in Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or similar engineering/physical science field from an ABET accredited university and at least 10 years of applicable industry experience is required. An advanced degree is preferred and will count toward the applicable experience.  Typically, educational requirements are the equivalent of a Ph.D. with a minimum 4 years of experience; Masters with at least 8 years of experience, or a BS with at least 10 years of experience.

• Direct industry experience with Thermal Protection System materials is required.
• Experience with SOFI is preferred.

Desired Qualifications: 

The successful candidate will also have some of the following qualifications:

• Experience processing and manufacturing nonmetallic materials such as ASTM test methods, spraying methods, adhesive bonding, critical cleaning, machining, and precision measurement.
• Experience managing small to medium-sized projects with respect to overseeing technical objectives, schedule, and/or resources.  
• A demonstrated history of technical innovation and process improvement. 
• A demonstrated ability to solve complex problems pertaining to design, development, analysis, integration, evaluation, testing, and verification of thermal protection systems.
• Experience with relevant software packages such as Solumina and Labview.  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

Benefits

Qualis LLC is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse and talented workforce who can contribute to the mission and vision of the Company. Our employees are our greatest asset and we promote a positive work environment, teamwork, professional growth, innovation, community involvement, flexible scheduling and a family-friendly work environment.