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Orion Thermal Protection System (TPS) Engineer - Space Systems

Oceaneering International, Inc.
parental leave, paid time off, tuition reimbursement
United States, Texas, Houston
Sep 08, 2025
Company Profile

Oceaneering Space Systems (OSS) develops, integrates, and applies new and innovative technologies to meet the challenges of working in space and other harsh environments. We are ideally positioned to meet the growing needs of NASA and the expanding commercial and Department of Defense (DOD) markets.

Oceaneering Aerospace and Defense Technologies (AdTech) delivers solutions that enable humans to work safely and effectively in harsh environments - from underwater to the outer reaches of space. Our innovative solutions support the development and application of practical, cost-effective systems that meet our customers' challenges - from routine to extreme. Our experience and expertise across multiple industries uniquely positions us as a leader in the government, space, and maritime services markets. Our products and services meet the rigorous demands of the complex environments in which they operate, delivering results without compromising safety or reliability.

Oceaneering is a global provider of engineered services and products, primarily to the offshore energy industry. We develop products and services for use throughout the lifecycle of an offshore oilfield, from drilling to decommissioning. We operate the world's premier fleet of work class ROVs. Additionally, we are a leader in offshore oilfield maintenance services, umbilicals, subsea hardware, and tooling. We also use applied technology expertise to serve the defense, entertainment, material handling, aerospace, science, and renewable energy industries.


Position Summary

Are you passionate about solving complex problems? Join our dynamic team as a Orion Thermal Protection System (TPS) Engineer and become a vital contributor to support NASA as an Oceaneering Teammate on the JSC Engineering, Technology, and Science (JETS) II contract. As an integral part of our organization, you'll play a crucial role in the Thermal and Life Support System Analysis section in the Engineering Department on the NASA JSC Engineering, Technology and Science II (JETS II) Contract.
This role will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the thrilling world of human spaceflight and deep space exploration programs. Your contributions will ensure that our services not only meet - but outperform all standards and expectations. As a Orion Thermal Protection System (TPS) Engineer, you'll find yourself at the forefront of innovation, collaborating with a passionate team who shares your dedication to excellence. If you're seeking to immerse yourself in an environment where your skills and expertise will make a genuine impact, we invite you to join our team!
We are seeking someone with a keen eye for detail, a strong commitment to owning their work, and providing superior quality. You should be a person who thrives in a diverse environment and who is comfortable communicating at all levels of the organization. To be successful in this role, you should have a sense of genuine, engaging curiosity, and a desire for growth and continuous learning.
Someone in this role would typically have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and a minimum of five (2) years of experience. This position can be hired at any level in our professional career framework, depending on business need at the time of hire.
**International travel may be required. Straight time overtime, 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), and/or 1 day of telework per week may be available**


Duties And Responsibilities

Some of your major responsibilities will include:

  • Lead subsystem management for the Orion Heatshield, including certification planning, testing, and build oversight.
  • Oversee the development of thermal models, stress analyses, and test techniques to ensure successful heatshield certification.
  • Evaluate proposed designs and specifications for Avcoat blocks, identifying deficiencies and recommending alternative approaches to meet technical and safety requirements.
  • Direct thermal analysis and test efforts performed by NASA civil servants and contractors across multiple centers.
  • Assess all heatshield related hardware designs and supporting data at critical design and hardware acceptance reviews.
  • Coordinate material property testing to support thermal and mechanical model development, delivering ablative thermal material models to Lockheed Martin for thermal sizing.
  • Define and manage test plans for arc jet and radiant heatshield test programs.
  • Provide on-site technical expertise for block bonding and gap filling operations at Kennedy Space Center.
  • Compile certification evidence, track verification completion, and develop certification of flight readiness statements.
  • Provides status and update reports to the Organization Chief and to Directorate management.
  • Provide technical authority and consultation on Entry, Descent and Landing (EDL) system design, testing, and analysis to programs across NASA.
  • Develop strategies for advancing EDL technologies for current and future exploration spacecraft.
  • Lead technical meetings, represent the organization at conferences, and build partnerships with industry, government agencies, and universities.
  • Mentor junior engineers, interns, and academic researchers in EDL systems analysis and testing.
  • Advise management on priorities, feasibility, and risks of EDL technology development projects.
  • Propose and develop innovative concepts in collaboration with industry and government partners to advance state-of-the-art EDL technology.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

  • A BS Engineering degree from an accredited engineering school and a minimum of five (5) years of related experience
  • BS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited engineering school.
  • Minimum of 5 years of engineering analysis experience related to thermal control systems.
  • Experience working with complex, vehicle level models with multiple system interactions
  • Excellent technical writing skills and the ability to use data to draw conclusions and - support the conclusions when challenged.
  • Excellent presentation skills.
  • Demonstrate excellent communication skills in a team environment.

PREFERRED:

  • Experience with developing and reviewing simulation models of spacecraft hardware and systems at varying levels of
    fidelity ranging from detailed, first-principal - models to more descriptive lumped-parameter models.
  • Experience with flight hardware test plan development and execution.
  • Experience with requirements definition and validation of space flight hardware.
  • Knowledge of programming in one or more of the following: Python or MATLAB
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is 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.

Additional Information

PAY, BENEFITS AND WORK SCHEDULE:

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Employee benefits vary by role, however, may include Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Retirement Savings, Life and Disability, Paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, and an Employee Assistance Program.


Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for all positions without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity,national origin, veteran status,disability, genetic information, or other non-merit factors.


How To Apply

Regular full-time employees who apply will be considered along with external candidates. Employees with less than six months with their current position are not eligible to apply for job postings. Please discuss your interest in the position with your current manager/supervisor prior to submitting your completed application. It is highly recommended to apply through the PeopleSoft or Oceanet portals.


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