Thermal Protection System (TPS) Technician

Amentum Holdings, Inc.; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Educational reimbursement

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Amentum's Non-Metallic Materials and Space Environmental Effects Team seeks a hands‑on TPS Technician to support surface prep, masking, and TPS processing in our Huntsville lab. You will follow detailed instructions and contribute to flight hardware readiness in a challenging environment.

The role focuses on surface prep, masking, and material processing, with opportunities to assist engineers on prototype TPS development and process improvements.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED with at least 6 years of experience or an associate’s degree with at least 2 years of experience that proves mechanical aptitude and ability to work 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.

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.
• 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.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Shop experience

Coatings/paints

Materials processing

Follow procedures

Measurement tools

Basic computer skills

Education

High School or GED

Associate degree

Tools

Spray equipment

Machining tools

Adhesives/ coatings

Job description

Join Our Journey

At Amentum Space Exploration Division (ASED) your growth is our priority! That’s why we offer an array of exciting opportunities for your career development. From the transformative Team Lead Academy to education reimbursement, personalized mentoring, and engaging company-sponsored networking events, you have the power to shape your professional journey in a way that aligns with your aspirations.

Find Your Community

At the heart of our thriving business are the incredible people who make it all possible. We celebrate a vibrant array of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Here, we foster an environment where everyone—employees, clients, and partners alike—are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Prioritize Your Well-Being

Our extensive benefits package is designed with your health in mind. Enjoy wellness programs, paid holidays, generous time off, employee perks, and so much more. We’re here to help you achieve a harmonious balance in your life—both at work and at home.

Together, We Soar

Our dynamic team consists of ten companies united in a single mission: to venture from Moon to Mars and beyond. Join us on this extraordinary adventure!

Overview

The Non‑Metallic Materials and Space Environmental Effects Team is seeking a hands‑on, detail‑oriented Thermal Protection System (TPS) Technician to support the application, processing, and documentation of aerospace thermal protection materials. This position is a full-time role. This role focuses on performing surface preparation and masking. The technician will follow detailed instructions and procedures while supporting TPS processing in a laboratory environment, contributing directly to flight and development hardware.

Key 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 Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Physical Requirements

• 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.

Work Environment

• Work will be performed primarily in indoor labs (80%) and in a general office environment (15%). Occasional work outdoors is required (5% or less).
• Must interact effectively with coworkers, managers, and MSFC customers, and communicate clearly in written and verbal form.

Attendance

• Work assignments are normally 10-hour shifts, 4 consecutive days per week. Normal workdays are 6:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Thursday but may be adjusted to meet customer requirements or needs of employees.
• Regular attendance and punctuality are mandatory.
• This role is expected to last 4-6 months.

Other Essential Functions

• US Citizenship is required.
• Must be able to communicate effectively and work under supervision as needed.
• Grooming and dress must be appropriate and compliant with safety requirements.
• Must comply with all federal and company “drug‑free workplace” requirements; drug testing is mandatory for employees in sensitive positions.
• Must pass all physicals required for this role.

Service Contract Act (SCA) Compensation & Benefits

This is an hourly, overtime-eligible position that falls under the Service Contract Act (SCA). In accordance with the Health and Welfare provisions of the SCA, and in addition to your base hourly rate, you may be eligible to receive an additional health and welfare payment for each hour you work to ensure compliance with the minimums set forth by the act. The amount you are entitled to receive will vary depending upon the fringe benefits you select now and in the future.

Compensation Details

ET4

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good‑faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax-saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting

11/10/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.

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