Amentum is seeking an experienced Thermal Protection System (TPS) Engineer for an onsite role in Houston, TX. This position focuses on designing, analyzing, developing, testing, and certifying thermal protection systems for both human-rated and uncrewed spacecraft across atmospheric entry, ascent, and on-orbit environments. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure TPS solutions meet structural, thermal, reliability, manufacturability, and safety requirements.
Responsibilities
- Support the design, analysis, and verification of ablative, reusable, and multi‑layer insulating TPS materials for spacecraft.
- Develop thermal models and perform transient/steady‑state analyses to evaluate TPS performance across mission phases.
- Conduct material trade studies, risk identification, and mitigation planning.
- Support TPS subsystem requirements development, validation, and configuration management.
- Interface with structural, aerothermal, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to integrate TPS solutions into the vehicle design.
- Review aerothermal environment predictions and translate loads into actionable TPS design criteria.
- Participate in fabrication process development, qualification testing, and non‑destructive evaluation planning.
- 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.).
- Support anomaly investigations and root‑cause analyses related to TPS performance.
- Prepare technical documentation including analysis reports, presentations, verification artifacts, and data packages.
Requirements
- Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and normally 5–10 years of related experience. License and certification may be required.
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of engineering analysis experience related to thermal control systems.
- Experience with thermal modeling tools such as Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, FEMAP, Abaqus, or equivalent.
- Demonstrated experience with spacecraft aerothermal environments, material characterization, and TPS design processes.
- Understanding of spacecraft certification, qualification, or verification/validation processes.
- Strong communication, documentation, and technical reasoning skills.
Technologies
- Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, FEMAP, Abaqus
Benefits
- 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
Work Environment
Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.
Physical Requirements
- Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).
Equipment and Machines
- Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).
Attendance
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.
Other Essential Functions
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.
Compensation Details
Compensation level: EN3-ESS
Why Join Our Team?
- Excellent personal and professional career growth
- 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
- Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)
- Much, much more!
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be a requirement for this position
- Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation
- Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised
