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Materials and Process Engineer II - Thermal Protection Systems Verified today

Blue Origin · 2 Locations · Mechanical · first seen 2026-09-03
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Role Summary

As a Materials and Process Engineer II specializing in Thermal Protection Systems (TPS), you will play a critical role in the design, development, and implementation of materials and processes for innovative space vehicles. You will work with a dynamic team of engineers and technicians, leveraging your expertise to select, test, and characterize materials for extreme thermal environments.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the execution and logistics of material test campaigns, from initial planning and vendor coordination to final data delivery.
  • Evaluate and select metallic and non-metallic materials for use in TPS, considering mechanical properties, thermal performance, and environmental resistance.
  • Manage hands-on test article fabrication, hardware builds, and lab characterization activities.
  • Maintain specimen, lot, and batch traceability to ensure data pedigree for all tested hardware.
  • Perform data reduction, plotting, and analysis from various material tests to synthesize clear and actionable results.
  • Create, review, and maintain engineering documentation, including test procedures, test reports, and material or process specifications.
  • Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to integrate material and process requirements into vehicle design.
  • Support the production, integration, and refurbishment of thermal protection systems.
  • Practice root cause analysis and develop corrective actions for non-conformances.
  • Stay informed on emerging technologies and industry trends in advanced materials and thermal protection systems.

Minimum Qualifications

  • B.S. in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
  • 2+ years of relevant experience in Materials and Process Engineering.
  • Developing professional expertise in applying materials science fundamentals across the development cycle (requirements, design, analysis, fabrication, test).
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings and models and apply their specific intent.
  • Experience contributing to the dispositioning of non-conformances.
  • Demonstrated experience in executing test campaigns and coordinating with test labs or vendors.
  • Proven ability to work independently on assigned projects and drive them to closure.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science/Engineering or a related field.
  • Direct hands-on experience with the manufacturing or testing of high-temperature materials and Thermal Protection System (TPS) materials (e.g., ablatives, ceramic matrix composites, high-temperature alloys).
  • Experience authoring or contributing to Process Control Documents (PCDs).
  • Demonstrated experience as a Material and Process signatory on a flight production program.
  • Experience with material characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, EDS, TGA, DSC).
  • Familiarity with Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) techniques.
  • Working knowledge of composite material testing standards, such as CMH-17.
  • Familiarity with design and analysis software (e.g., CAD, FEA, thermal analysis tools).
  • Knowledge of environmentally-assisted degradation of materials in space and atmospheric reentry environments.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance.
  • Paid parental leave, short and long-term disability.
  • 401(k) with company match of up to 5%.
  • Education Support Program.
  • Stock options for all regular employees working at least 20 hours per week.
  • Up to four weeks paid time off per year and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
  • Performance-based bonuses and other benefits dependent on role type and job level.