TPS Thermal Protection System Technician III

Are you ready to launch your career in space? Do you have a passion for innovation in a hands-on environment with cutting edge space technology? As a Thermal Protection Systems Technician, you will be using your skills and expertise to perform a variety of duties like constructing, troubleshooting, calibrating, and building the components for the thermal insulation systems on our Dream Chaser spaceplane!

Sierra Space—based in Louisville, CO with operations in Madison, WI, Durham, NC, Huntsville, AL, Houston, TX, and Kennedy Space Center, FL—designs and manufactures the Dream Chaser spaceplane and other advanced spacecraft, commercial space destinations, satellites, propulsion and environmental systems, spacecraft subsystems and components for the U.S. government (including NASA), commercial customers, and international organizations. Learn more about Sierra Space

Primary Responsibilities:  
•    Work from blueprints and approved technical documents to construct developmental assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components 
•    Complete parts lists, checks drawings, work within the systems to certify assemblies 
•    Responsible for surface preparation for bonding operations, dismantling, repairing, fabricating, and completing Thermal Protection tile and GSE assemblies 
•    Use standard assembly tools and materials, to include laptop computer and associated programs and applications 
•    May perform modifications, rework, and flight hardware testing with oversight 
•    Prepare parts for bagging, including placement of bleeders, thermocouples, probes, and vacuum connections 
•    Use precision measurement tools & equipment 
 
Must-haves:
•    High school diploma or GED equivalent. 
•    Associates in aviation maintenance (or certification including non-accredited trade schools) or comparable technical experience in welding, aviation, engineering, or related fields.  
•    A higher level degree may substitute for experience 
•    Related experience may be considered in lieu of required education 
•    Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical drawings, diagrams, schematics, and manuals 
•    Ability to work with standard laboratory test equipment, other measurement equipment, hand tools, and power tools 
•    Experience with navigating 3-D CAD software 

Preferred: 
•    Ability to work [Day Shift, Night Shift, Weekend Day, Weekend Night]  
•    Typically, 4 or more years of relevant experience
•    Previous experience and/or certifications within the aerospace and defense industry
•    Previous experience in a manufacturing environment
•    Experience with respirator training, working in confined spaces, overhead/ Gantry crane operations
•    In addition to formal training in engineering or a hard science, a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or Business Administration is desirable
•    Experience with Laser Tracking Software and Equipment
•    The ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance may be required Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances

IMPORTANT NOTICE: 
To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce. 
 
With 30+ years of proven spaceflight heritage, Sierra Space has provided more than 4,000 space systems, subsystems and components to customers worldwide, and participated in more than 500 missions to space, including to Mars. The company has technology in production and in development to enable space habitats for short- and long-duration space travel, a fleet of Dream Chaser spaceplanes, and the first free-flying commercial space station. Please visit www.sierraspace.com to learn more about Sierra Space, its business areas, capabilities, programs, products and services. 

Physical/Mental/Emotional Requirements:

• Frequently walk, sit, stand, climb stairs and steps, moving rapidly, and maintaining awareness of others and the work around you
• Frequently repeat same hand, arm, and finger motion many times to include finger and hand dexterity
• Frequently requires vision abilities to include close, distance, depth perception, and telling the difference between colors
• Frequently requires hearing abilities to include discerning different tones and volumes
• Frequently lifting or carrying up to 50 lbs.
• Forklift training, working from heights and wearing fall protection. Clean room training, and COPV training may be required

Working Conditions:

• Occasionally exposed to outdoor elements (high/low temperatures, sun, rain/snow, etc.)
• Occasionally exposed to fumes or hazardous chemicals/materials
• Occasionally exposed to loud noises

Safety Sensitive Position:

• Responsible for the safety and security of people or property
• Inspects, handles, or transports explosives, dangerous or hazardous materials
• Inspects structures, equipment or vehicles
• Performs Aviation related duties
• Operate or supervise vehicles, heavy or dangerous equipment or machinery

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $32.25 - $44.35. Sierra Space considers several factors when extending job offers, including but not limited to candidates’ key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications.

Sierra Space offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 8%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

At Sierra Space, our mission is to dream, innovate, inspire and empower the next generation to transform humanity through technology and imagination. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome our employees to bring their whole selves to their work. Sierra Space is committed to fostering an inclusive, accepting, and diverse environment free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Contributions to Sierra Space come in many shapes and styles, and we believe diversity in our workforce fosters new and greater ways to dream, innovate, and inspire.