Mechanical Engineer III

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a skilled Engineer with specialization in Thermal Protection Systems (TPS). Candidates should have technical expertise in the design, analysis, and development of textile, mechanical, and electromechanical TPS components for launch, re-entry, and hypersonic vehicle applications. Recognized as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), candidates should be able to demonstrate strong leadership through mentorship, knowledge transfer, and cross-functional collaboration. We are looking for candidates that are at ease in customer-facing environments, supporting business development and technical sales through clear, compelling communication and solution-oriented technical insight. This individual brings a balance of skills and experience in project execution, technical expertise, and customer collaboration. The most qualified applicants will have experience suggesting refined requirements to the customer, such that the product meets the need but can be delivered with less cost and schedule impacts. 

• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Thermal Protection Systems (TPS), providing technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to junior engineers to ensure long-term organizational capability.
• Execute detailed design of textile, mechanical, and electromechanical TPS systems, including subsystems and components for launch vehicles and human-rated spacecraft.
• Apply advanced engineering principles to perform and evaluate stress, thermal, and fluid dynamics analyses, ensuring designs meet stringent fit, form, and function requirements.
• Maintain a high level of technical excellence and quality throughout all phases of engineering execution, including test setups, test operations, documentation, and project closeout.
• Oversee tolerance analysis, interface definition, and manufacturing considerations to ensure designs are producible, affordable, and fully aligned with customer and program requirements.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of aerospace metallic and non‑metallic materials, particularly those used in lightweight, high‑strength, high‑temperature TPS applications.
• Generate and support the development of interface drawings that define critical mechanical and thermal features for both hardware and TPS integration.
• Design custom test fixtures and test methodologies to support qualification, verification, and development test programs.
• Develop and support requirements documentation, including requirement specifications, verification plans, procedures, and hazard analyses.
• Perform technical and safety risk assessments and execute mitigation strategies to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer expectations.
• Present complex design concepts and engineering details in clear, customer‑ready formats for design gate reviews and technical interchange meetings.
• Collaborate effectively across multi-functional teams—including Design/Drafting, Analysis, Production, Quality Assurance, Health & Safety, Program Management, and Finance—to ensure successful execution of TPS projects.
• Support business development and technical sales efforts, including proposal generation, customer-facing technical presentations, and engineering support during pre‑award and post‑award sales cycles. 

Required:

• BS or MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in development of mechanical/electromechanical hardware and systems for launch vehicles and systems.
• Thermal Protection Systems design/development experience.
• Knowledge and experience in mechanical/electromechanical hardware products and systems design and development fabrication methods and techniques.
• Knowledge and experience in textile and/or thermal protection systems design and development including familiarity with textile fabrication methods and techniques.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing/production process for hardware and textile products.    
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with customer engagement and technical sales.
• US Citizenship required.

Desirable:

• Ability to perform CAD modeling and generate manufacturing drawings using Solid Works or Pro-E Creo.
• Experience with MathCAD
• Experience with ASME Y14.5, 14.24 and 14.41 drawing standards.
• Experience using LabVIEW

Supervisory Responsibilities and Reporting Relationship

This position has no supervisory responsibility

Reports to Mechanical Engineering Supervisor

Proof of U.S. Citizenship 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.

Essential Functions

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.

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.