Thermal Protection System Technician

Bevilacqua Research Corporation; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Bevilacqua Research Corporation in Huntsville, AL seeks a hands-on Thermal Protection System Technician to support application, processing, and documentation of aerospace TPS materials. Role involves surface prep, masking, and working under detailed procedures in a lab environment to back flight and development hardware.

The position focuses on painting, coatings, and spray work, with opportunities to assist in test article prep and continuous workflow improvement.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in lab, shop, or materials processing environments.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and safety instructions.
• Familiarity with spray systems, coatings, or polymers preferred.
• Experience using basic measurement and machining tools.
• Basic computer skills for documentation.

Responsibilities

• Surface preparation and masking on flight and development hardware.
• Operate shop tools and assist fixture preparation and TPS processing.
• Follow work instructions, process specs, and quality documentation.
• Maintain material traceability, environmental conditions, and logs.
• Assist engineers with TPS development and process improvements.

Skills

Lab experience

Follow procedures

Spray systems

Measurement tools

Computer skills

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associate's degree (optional)

Tools

Shop tools

Machining tools

Spray equipment

Mixing tools

Measuring tools

Job description

Bevilacqua Research Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer (Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans) and VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

"EEO is the Law" EEOC Revision

Thermal Protection System Technician

Job Code:

26-ESSCA-020

Primary Location:

Huntsville, AL

Clearance Required:

National Agency Check

Job Description/Essential Functions:

Bevilacqua Research Corporation (BRC) isa Service Disabled Veteran Owned, Small Business based in Huntsville,Alabama incorporated in 1992. BRC provides “best-value” technical andmanagement solutions to a diverse government and commercial customer base inthe following key business areas: test & evaluation, systems analysis &integration, security & intelligence, and R&D.

TheNon‑Metallic Materials and Space Environmental Effects Team is seeking a hands‑on,detail‑oriented Thermal Protection System (TPS) Technician to support theapplication, processing, and documentation of aerospace thermal protectionmaterials. This position is a full-time role. This role focuses on performingsurface preparation and masking. The technician will follow detailedinstructions and procedures while supporting TPS processing in a laboratoryenvironment, contributing directly to flight and development hardware.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct surface preparation and masking operations on flight and development hardware to ensure proper material adhesion and quality.
• Operate shop tools and perform light machining required for fixture preparation, sample fabrication, and TPS processing support.
• Follow detailed work instructions, material process specifications, and quality documentation requirements.
• Maintain accurate process documentation, including material traceability, environmental conditions, and equipment usage logs.

Additional responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Apply aerospace insulative spray foams, coatings, and paints following controlled procedures and engineering instructions.
• Perform pour‑foam mixing, dispensing, and curing operations, including mold preparation and adhesive application.
• Assist in setup, operation, and troubleshooting of automated or semi‑automated spray equipment and mixing/dispensing tools.
• Support maintenance of laboratory equipment, consumable tracking, safety compliance, and cleanliness standards.
• Document work performed, recording observations, deviations, and configuration changes with high accuracy.
• Assist engineers with test article preparation, prototype TPS development, and continuous improvement of material processing workflows.

Minimum Requirements:

• Typically, educational requirement is a High School diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or equivalent; candidate must have at least 6 years of experience and continuing education, or an associate’s degree or equivalent and at least 2 years of experience that proves mechanical aptitude and ability to work effectively without direct supervision.
• Hands‑on experience in laboratory, shop, coating, painting, or materials processing environments.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures, safety protocols, and engineering instructions accurately.
• Familiarity with spray systems, adhesives, coatings, or polymer‑based materials, or willingness to learn.
• Experience using measurement tools, basic machining tools, and standard laboratory/shop equipment.
• Basic computer skills and comfort with electronic documentation systems.

Desired Experience:

• Experience applying aerospace foams, coatings, adhesives, or similar TPS materials.
• Background in coating application, paint booth operation, mask‑and‑prep work, or polymer processing.
• Prior work involving machining, fixture fabrication, or precision hardware preparation.
• Experience operating automated mixing, spraying, or dispensing equipment.
• Familiarity with non‑metallic materials, including foams, polymers, adhesives, and elastomers.

PhysicalRequirements

• Work is primarily performed in a shop or laboratory environment supporting material processing, machining, and related activities, requiring standing for extended periods and use of appropriate PPE such as safety glasses, safety shoes, and hearing protection.
• Occasional work in full Tyvek (“bunny suit”) protective gear and respirator is required when handling specific foam, coating, or adhesive systems. These tasks may involve elevated heat and physical discomfort, but are broken up into rotational breaks.
• Short periods of sitting at a computer or participating in meetings will also be required.

EEO Policy:

Bevilacqua ResearchCorporation is proud tobe an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equalopportunity for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex,gender, national origin, age, United States military veteran’s status,ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familystructure, medical condition including genetic characteristics or information,veteran status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essentialfunctions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation,or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.