Demo

Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) Engineer - Space Systems

Oceaneering
Houston, TX Full Time
POSTED ON 5/29/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/14/2026
Job Description

Are you passionate about solving complex problems? Join our dynamic team as a Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) Engineerand 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 Analysis section of 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 Thermal Protection Systems (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 two (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**

Responsibilities

Some of your major responsibilities will include:

  • Develop new, higher capability TPS materials and coatings to advance future mission capabilities.
  • 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.).
  • Perform thermal analysis of spacecraft thermal protection systems using a suite of analytical tools in support of design, development, test and evaluation.
  • Responsible for ensuring the function and safety of the TPS for NASA programs while supporting real-time mission operations and decision making on critical TPS issues.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

REQUIRED :

  • BS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or comparable engineering discipline from an accredited engineering school and a minimum of two (2) years of related experience
  • Experience with programming.
  • Experience working in laboratory environments.
  • Strong technical writing and presentation skills, able to articulate conclusions and defend them when challenged.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred

  • Knowledge of aerothermal environments, including high-temperature gas dynamics and aerodynamics.
  • Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) interpretation/generation.
  • Understanding of TPS physics under high enthalpy flow (ablation, multi-phase equilibria, radiative transport).
  • Experience with thermal response codes such as CHAR, FIAT, or PATO.
  • Experience with 3D Modeling software
  • Familiarity with ablators, reusable TPS, and hot structure materials.
  • High enthalpy test experience in facilities such as arc jets or inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torches.
  • Experience managing complex spacecraft systems/projects.
  • Ability to clearly communicate robust technical positions on TPS matters affecting human spaceflight.
  • Willingness to serve as focal point for mission support and rapid decision-making in critical mission operational environments.
  • 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.

Requires working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions

Job tasks are performed in close physical proximity to other people

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.

Salary.com Estimation for Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) Engineer - Space Systems in Houston, TX
$91,051 to $105,017
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Oceaneering

  • Oceaneering Hanover, MD
  • Essential RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and apply advanced engineering analytical and design methods, theories and research techniques, to complex engineering p... more
  • Just Posted

  • Oceaneering Hanover, MD
  • Job Description The Senior Field Services Specialist acts as a technical representative for design-to-production contracts and sustainment contracts. The S... more
  • Just Posted

  • Oceaneering Chesapeake, VA
  • Job Description Oceaneering Marine Services Division (MSD) has over 30 years of experience providing full-service submarine and surface ship repairs suppor... more
  • Just Posted

  • Oceaneering Chesapeake, VA
  • Job Description The Quality Auditor role at Oceaneering’s Marine Services Division (MSD) supports the Quality team by executing the internal quality audit ... more
  • Just Posted


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) Engineer - Space Systems jobs in the Houston, TX area that may be a better fit.

  • Barrios Technology Houston, TX
  • Overview Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to mak... more
  • 1 Month Ago

  • Bastion Technologies, Inc. Houston, TX
  • The Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) Engineer will support the space program located in Houston . RESPONSIBILITIES: Develop new, higher capability TPS mate... more
  • 18 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!