Principal TPS Materials Engineer
$175,000–$244,000 year
On-sitePlaya Vista, Estado de Chiapas, Mexico
Job Summary
Lead development of high-performance, low-cost ablative thermal protection system (TPS) formulations optimized for extreme reentry conditions. Characterize material response across harsh thermal and mechanical environments while prototyping and automating fabrication at scale using composite methods like automated tape winding. Execute comprehensive characterization campaigns spanning thermal response and strength testing, then collaborate with vendors to bring new materials and processes in-house. Mentor senior and early-career engineers across the organization. This role requires a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret clearance and is based on-site in Playa Vista, CA.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience in a relevant field
- Typically, 12+ years of professional experience developing, formulating, or producing materials for extreme temperature environments
- Experience with at least one of: carbon phenolic ablators, reinforced carbon/carbon, or refractory ceramic matrix composites
- Experience with material characterization testing, including both thermal response testing and material strength testing across a wide temperature range
- Experience prototyping and scaling material fabrication processes
- Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, including prototyping and rapid iteration of new products
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance
Desired Qualifications
- PhD in Materials Science or a related field
- Hands-on background with woven, felted, or needled high-temperature fiber preforms and material architectures
- Experience organizing and executing arc jet material response test campaigns
- Experience with large-scale composite manufacturing automation (automated tape laying/winding, filament winding, mandrel tooling, autoclave or oven cure development)
- Experience with ablation and thermal response modeling tools (e.g., FIAT, CHAR, PATO)
- Experience with thermophysical and thermochemical property measurement (TGA/DSC, laser flash, dilatometry)
- Experience taking a new material from laboratory formulation through qualification for flight
- Familiarity with non-destructive evaluation methods for composite and ablative structures
- Prior experience working in startups and/or small independent teams
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