Flammability & Nonmetallic Materials Engineer

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!     

We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA’s pursuits in deep space exploration. As NASA’s largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States. 

We have an exciting opportunity for a Flammability & Nonmetallic Materials Engineer to join the team with Aerodyne Industries, a teammate company.

The Flammability & Nonmetallic Materials Engineer will:

• Provide leadership for projects related to textile materials selection, flammability testing in high oxygen atmospheres, ignition characterization, battery thermal runaway tests, and related test campaigns across multiple NASA centers, partner agencies and commercial entities
• Support various NASA programs by providing nonmetallic and fibrous materials expertise for the selection of soft goods and polymeric materials exposed to different atmospheres, high vacuum, and extreme temperatures. This support applies to any type of soft goods and polymeric materials: rigid and semi-rigid plastics, thin films, coatings, foams, textiles, and their finishing treatments.
• Provide technical leadership on nonmetallic material and fibrous materials selection to use in Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) development for various NASA programs.
• Support NASA Materials and Processes (M&P) engineers with respect to the evaluation and selection of nonmetallic and fibrous materials
• Act as primary engineer coordinating various flammability, ignition and combustion tests in accordance with NASA-STD-6001 with the White Sands Test Facility.
• Direct development of flammability configuration coupons made from various soft goods and polymeric materials.
• Review NASA reports, requirement documents, proposals, conference papers, journal articles related to nonmetallics and fibrous materials.
• Perform testing and characterization on nonmetallic materials as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.​

Requisition Qualifications:

This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering and a minimum of 2- 5 years of experience in the field or in a related area.

• BS, MS, or PhD in Polymer Science and Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Fire Science and Engineering, or related field and a minimum of 2 years of direct experience in the field, preferably with some understanding or experience in textiles.
• Familiar with high performance polymers that are commonly in film, foam, or fiber form, such as PTFE, PVDF, Aramids, Polyimide, PEEK, PBI, etc.
• Familiarity with flammability testing, fire testing, flame testing or combustion testing on polymers.
• Experience in characterization methods, such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM/EDS. Familiar with polymer testing standards.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and productively with team members and cross functional team.​
• Problem solver and quick learner with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills include the ability to prepare and give presentations.​

Requisition Preferences:

• ​​Experience with textiles for structural applications.
• Previous experience supporting a NASA project.​ 

Why Join Our Team?

In addition to exciting career opportunities, we also have:

• Excellent personal and professional career growth
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
• Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)
• Much, much more!

For more information on our partnership with NASA at Johnson Space Center (JSC), please visit www.wehavespaceforyou.com

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be 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.