Senior Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Protection Systems

• Execute end-to-end ownership of TPS components and subassemblies, from initial requirements definition through final hardware delivery.
• Own and drive material trade studies that balance thermal survivability, structural integrity, and manufacturing realities for hypersonic regimes.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with aerothermal, design, materials, and test groups to translate heat flux and aero loads into robust mechanical designs.
• Develop detailed CAD, drawings, ICD’s, interface directly with the manufacturing floor, and ensure parts are built to spec.
• Support rigorous testing campaigns such as arc-jet, rapidly perform raw data reduction, and draw actionable conclusions to iterate designs based on empirical data.
• Serve as the resident SME in the TPS space, maintaining robust knowledge of current state-of-the-art and next-generation technologies.
• Lead technical sections of proposals and new products that enhance the organization's technical capabilities and support strategic defense growth objectives.

• Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field.
• Flight Heritage: Direct ownership of a TPS system that successfully operated and survived in a flight environment.
• Systems Experience: Direct experience working on the design, test, or integration of re-entry systems, launch vehicles, or hypersonic platforms.
• Programmatic Acumen: Experience planning and estimating complex projects, constructing bids and Basis of Estimates (BOEs), and developing technical schedules that were successfully executed.
• Business Development: Proven track record of writing and winning IRAD and/or CRAD proposals.
• Customer Facing: Experience interfacing directly with government (DoW, NASA) and commercial customers to define requirements and deliver technical updates.
• Supply Chain Command: Experience and high comfort level interfacing with, auditing, and managing suppliers specifically within the TPS and advanced materials space.
• Strong background operating within the defense sector.
• Familiarity with space and defense standards such as but not limited to SMS-S-016, MIL-STD-810, NASA-GSFC-7000 series or other industry equivalent standards for design, analysis, and testing of defense articles.

• Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust, and temperature variations.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 lb and perform tasks involving standing, walking, bending, and manual assembly.
• Visual acuity required for reading technical drawings, inspecting components, and operating precision instruments.
• Occasional travel to customer or test sites, including outdoor or industrial settings, with adherence to company and OSHA safety protocols.
• Must have professional working proficiency reading, writing, and speaking English.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total compensation will also include a comprehensive set of benefits including but not limited to: Company paid employee medical, dental and vision insurance. 401K company match (eligibility required), paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.