Job Description

Textile Chemical Engineer

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration. As NASA's largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States, we have an exciting opportunity for a Textile Chemical Engineer to join the team with Oceaneering, a teammate company.

We are actively searching for qualified candidates for this potential opening; however, we do not have assurance at this time when the position will be finalized and opened. Because we have strong reason to believe the position will be approved soon, we are proceeding with identifying qualified candidates and conducting interviews.

We are seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled engineer with 3-7 years of experience in textile engineering and textile chemistry to support human spaceflight systems at NASA Johnson Space Center. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in textile engineering and chemical finishing, with hands-on experience on functional textile materials. The Textile Chemical Engineer will:

• Lead and support the evaluation, selection, optimization and development of softgoods materials (e.g., textiles, films, nonwovens) for NASA crewed spaceflight systems, including garments, habitat interiors, space suit materials, parachutes, inflatable structures, hygiene/sanitation products, etc.
• Identify, formulate, and apply functional coatings and finishes to textiles to meet mission-specific requirements such as flame resistance, thermal regulation, microbial control, abrasion resistance, lunar regolith protection, etc.
• Support various NASA programs by leading the technology development of various textile coating systems to enhance the performance of textiles in extreme environment, such as high oxygen, vacuum, and cryogenic temperatures.
• Act as primary reviewer and approver for NASA Material Usage Agreements (MUL) to ensure materials are compliant to be used in specific test conditions for testing performed in NASA thermal vacuum chambers.
• Provide technical support related to non-metallic and softgoods materials for R&D activities under the NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
• Support NASA Materials and Processes (M&P) engineers with respect to the evaluation and selection of non-metallic and softgoods materials.
• Perform testing and characterization on non-metallic materials as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requisition Qualifications: This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering and a minimum of 2-5 years of experience in the field or in a related area.
• Experience on formulating chemical finishes or coatings to impart specific functional properties to textiles (e.g., flame retardancy, abrasion resistance, water/oil repellency, anti-microbial growth).
• Experience on applying coatings to textiles using methods such as impregnation, knife-over-roll, spraying, or other industrial finishing techniques
• Experience working with high performance fibers and good understanding on different textile structures and their manufacturing methods.
• Experience on technical or functional textile material development is preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently in a multidisciplinary field.
• Self-starter and quick learner with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Requisition Preferences:

• 3-7 years of relevant experience in textile engineering and textile chemistry, with demonstrated knowledge in textile coating formulation and application.
• Bachelor's or higher education in Textile Chemistry, Textile Engineering, Fiber Science, Polymer Science or closely related field.
• M.S. or PhD preferred. 5+ years of direct experience with textiles characterization, formulating chemical finishes or coatings, fiber science. Previous experience supporting a NASA program on structural textiles and soft goods development.

Why Join Our Team? In addition to exciting career opportunities, we also have:

• Excellent personal and professional career growth
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
• Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)
• Much, much more!

For more information on our partnership with NASA at Johnson Space Center (JSC), please visit

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be a requirement for this position.
• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.

Essential Functions Work Environment Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task. Physical Requirements Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time). Equipment and Machines Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.). Attendance Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements. Other Essential Functions Professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

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