Thermal Protection System Engineer (TPS)

Outpost (8 days ago)

Los Angeles, CAOnsiteFull TimeSenior$130,000 - $160,000

About this role

The Sr. Thermal Protection System Engineer will lead the design, analysis, and implementation of heat shield technology for space vehicles that return from orbit. The role combines high-temperature materials science, aerothermal analysis, and mechanical design to develop reusable, flight-critical systems. It involves hands-on technical leadership from concept to flight qualification at a space-focused startup.

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Required Skills

Materials Science
Aerothermal Analysis
Mechanical Design
CFD
Thermal Desktop
ANSYS
MATLAB
Python
Arc-Jet Testing
Reentry Hardware

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Materials Engineering (or related field)
10+ years of experience in thermal protection systems, hypersonic aerodynamics, or high-temperature structural materials
Active U.S. Government Security Clearance (Secret or Top Secret)
Experience with Deployable Aerodynamic Decelerators (HIAD/ADEPT) or flexible TPS systems
Experience with spaceflight standards (NASA/DoD) for thermal protection
Experience with hardware testing including arc-jet testing

About Outpost

outpost.coop

Outpost Natural Foods is a Milwaukee-based, owner‑owned cooperative grocery specializing in organic, natural and specialty-diet foods (vegetarian, vegan, gluten‑free, etc.) across multiple locations. As a co‑op it encourages customers to become owners, participate in governance, and access owner benefits while supporting local vendors and community food education through blogs and outreach. The co‑op emphasizes sustainability and social responsibility with initiatives like plastic reduction, solar projects, EV charging and published sustainability reporting.

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