Orion Passive Thermal Control System (PTCS) Subject Matter Expert

  • R0162843
  • On Site
  • Houston, Texas, United States
  • Part time
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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? If you are, we need you!     

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 part-time Orion Passive Thermal Control System (PTCS) Subject Matter Expert to join the JETSII Contract.

Amentum is seeking an experienced Orion Passive Thermal Control System (PTCS) Subject Matter Expert to support development, integration, verification, and operations for NASA's Orion spacecraft and Artemis missions. This role provides specialized technical insight into spacecraft thermal behavior, supports integration coordination across multiple subsystems, and contributes to mission planning, activation, testing, and real‑time operations. The PTCS SME works directly with NASA customers, design teams, and mission operations personnel to ensure safe and reliable thermal performance for human‑rated spacecraft. This position will specifically serve as the in-house expert on the Orion heater system architecture.

Responsibilities include:

  • Serve as the Orion PTCS Subject Matter Expert, supporting thermal behavior assessment, operations development, engineering evaluations, flight rule inputs, and integrated analysis. Act as the primary technical authority on the Orion heater system, supporting training teams and resolving heater related technical issues.
  • Review subsystem requirements, design changes, and analysis products to ensure proper integration across thermal, electrical, mechanical, and avionics systems.
  • Support development of mission operations products, activation timelines, and procedures related to thermal system behavior.
  • Participate in integrated simulations and real‑time mission operations providing assessments of subsystem performance.
  • Support anomaly resolution, system troubleshooting, and risk evaluations for PTCS‑related issues. Lead investigations and resolution efforts for heater system anomalies and performance concerns.
  • Provide inputs to flight rules, operations concepts, displays, controls, and operations documentation involving thermal systems.
  • Collaborate with NASA engineering and operations teams to support technical decision‑making, verification planning, and mission readiness activities.
  • Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and subsystem leadership within multi‑disciplinary teams.​
     

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, educational requirements are the equivalent of a BS with at least 15 years of experience.
  • Typically requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
  • Normally possesses 15+ years of related experience.
  • Extensive experience with thermal control in spacecraft systems.
  • Experience with spacecraft heater architecture is strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of human‑spaceflight operations, mission control processes, or integrated system testing.
  • Ability to develop and review procedures, test plans, and operational documentation.​

Requisition Preferences:

  • Prior Mission Control Center console certification(s) or significant console operations experience.
  • Experience with system‑level integration, design reviews, or failure assessments.
  • Experience in thermal‑vacuum testing.
  • Familiarity with NASA processes and human‑rated spacecraft requirements.​

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 www.wehavespaceforyou.com

  • 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.

#JETS #JETSII

       

Compensation Details:

SME1-SME3

       

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:

06/04/2026 - 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, 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.

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If you are an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability—or unable to use—the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact our Reasonable Accommodation Helpline at 1-888-877-3181 or 301-944-3299 for assistance. In order to address your request, the following information is needed:

  • Name
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  • Upon receipt of this information we will respond to you promptly to obtain more information about your request.