THERMAL DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN, HEAT SHIELD (STARSHIP) - MULTIPLE SHIFTS
The Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) team tackles space exploration's toughest problems by developing and producing the heat shields for our next-generation rockets and spacecraft. This hardware must survive the most extreme environments known to mankind and protect our vehicle through atmospheric entry.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Process and manufacture ceramic fibers, filaments, and powders required for the fabrication of next-tier products
- Fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other components required for a robust thermal protection system
- Prepare basic laminate fabrication, surface preparation, and vacuum bagging; check seals on completed bagged parts for leaks, and perform vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven curing
- Document processes precisely to be able to replicate each step taken in the material processing
- Perform product inspection and rework as required
- Read and interpret engineering drawings with an understanding of drawing symbols, flag notes, and general notes
- Assist in the maintenance and repair of production machinery
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- 1+ year of experience with production or manufacturing assembly or industrial operations
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience setting up assemblies and parts in various types of processing and curing equipment such as an ovens and high temperature kilns to obtain desired set and cure
- Experience with composite tooling materials
- Skilled in mechanical testing (mainly Instron)
- Proficient/experienced to accurately measure and mix using scales, beakers and various monitoring probes for the process of tile coatings, sealants and RTV applications
- Comfortable working with solvents, ceramic precursors, inorganic acids and bases
- Experience with thermal protection system (TPS) or phenolic impregnated carbon ablator (PICA)
- Experience applying sealants, alodine, primer, adhesives, and special finishes
- Good understanding of basic mathematical concepts
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
- Ability to work one of the following shifts:
- Day shift: 6:00am - 6:00pm Sunday - Wednesday or Wednesday - Saturday
- Night shift: 6:00pm - 6:00am Sunday - Wednesday or Wednesday - Saturday
- Flexibility in work schedule, supporting all shifts/overtime as necessary, to support business needs
- Ability to wear and obtain certification in the wearing of an air respirator
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. unassisted
- Willing to travel to other sites to support critical business needs (up to 10% of the time)
- Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching are generally required to perform the functions of this position