Thermal Protection System (TPS) Technician (Non‑Metallics-ET6)

3M HEALTHCARE; Huntsville (OH); On-site; USD 27,552 - 41,328; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement benefits (401(k) matching)

Educational reimbursement

Parental leave

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

Amentum Space Exploration Division seeks a hands-on Thermal Protection System (TPS) Technician to support application, processing, and documentation of aerospace TPS materials. You will spray insulative foams, apply coatings, and perform pour-foam operations on flight hardware in a laboratory setting.

Responsibilities include surface prep, masking, basic machining, and maintaining documentation, while following detailed instructions to support development and flight hardware.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED, or an associate’s degree with substantial related experience.
• Hands-on experience in lab, shop, coating, painting, or materials processing.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures, safety protocols, and engineering instructions.
• Experience with spray systems, adhesives, coatings, or polymer-based materials.

Responsibilities

• Apply insulative spray foams, coatings, and paints per procedures.
• Dispense pour-foam, mold prep, and adhesive application.
• Prepare surfaces and masking for flight and development hardware.
• Operate shop tools and light machining for fixtures.
• Maintain process documentation and material traceability.

Skills

Lab experience

Coating application

Machining

Safety procedures

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associate’s degree

Tools

Measurement tools

Machining tools

Dispensing equipment

Job description

Join Our JourneyAt 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.

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 role focuses on spraying insulative aerospace foams, applying aerospace coatings/paints, dispensing pour‑foams and adhesives, performing surface preparation and masking, and executing precision machining tasks. 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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• High School diploma or GED or equivalent; at least 15 years of experience OR an associate’s degree and at least 10 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.
• Must be a United States citizen and have a STAR ID.

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

Assignments are normally 10‑hour shifts, 4 consecutive days per week. Normal workdays are 6:00am to 4:30pm Monday through Thursday but may be adjusted to meet customer requirements or needs of the employee. Regular attendance and punctuality are mandatory.

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.

Compensation Details

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 on the fringe benefits you select now and in the future.

Benefits Overview

• 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

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, or 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.