Principal Thermal Protection System Engineer (TPS)

Job description Principal Thermal Protection System Engineer Launch has changed the economics of space. Outpost is building the missing infrastructure between orbit and

Earth:

reusable We call it exologistics, space-to-Earth logistics at in active development, with core technologies advancing toward flight through multiple defense and civil agreements, and a growing pipeline across government and commercial customers. Outpost is building the logistics layer that makes space economically useful in a new way: the ability to move material from orbit to Earth quickly, reliably, Over time, that supports point-to-point logistics, 10 tons of It also creates the foundation for a reusable reentry network and enables new categories of space activity, including in-space manufacturing, supporting AI data centers, advanced manufacturing and novel materials. We have a strong foundation, clear demand, and a technical path in front of us. operational footprint, and building the systems needed to execute at the next The Principal Thermal Protection System Engineer (TPS) will lead the design, analysis, and implementation of the (TPS) for our Carryall reentry vehicle. role sits at the intersection of high-temperature materials science, aerothermal analysis, and mechanical design. operation. You will work closely with engineering leadership and the mechanical engineering team, to architect a TPS that is robust enough to handle hypersonic heat fluxes and flexible enough to stow and deploy on orbit. strategy for the Carryall vehicle, selecting materials and material stack-ups that balance thermal performance, mass, and mechanical flexibility.

Aerothermal Analysis:

Perform and guide high-fidelity aeroheating analysis (performance under reentry loads.

Material Qualification:

Lead the testing and characterization of flexible and rigid TPS materials, including arc-jet testing, radiant heat testing, and mechanical load testing. to flight hardware, managing vendor relationships for TPS materials Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Materials Engineering (or related field). hypersonic aerodynamics, or high-temperature structural materials. Deep understanding of heat transfer mechanisms (convection, radiation, FIAT, CMA, Thermal Desktop, or custom solvers) and analysis software (ANSYS, MATLAB/Python). Hands-on experience with hardware testing, specifically environmental or arc-jet testing of TPS materials. thermal performance. risks to the broader engineering team. Government Security Clearance (Not required, but beneficial) Experience with Deployable Aerodynamic Decelerators (HIAD/ADEPT) or flexible thermal protection systems for reentry at extreme thermal heat. post-flight analysis. Familiarity with government or commercial spaceflight standards (NASA/DoD) Annual performance-based bonuses that reward your Meaningful equity in Outpost so you share directly in the value you help create. Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you We cover the base tier of medical insurance and all premiums of vision and dental. Company-provided short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind, plus life insurance for even more security. holidays.

Invest in your future:

401(k) with company match to help you build long-term coffee, and tea to keep you energized. Work shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders from aerospace, new space, and deep-tech industries building the future of orbital

Pet Friendly Office:

Bring your furry friend into the office so that they can

Monthly Company Happy Hours and Events:

Drinks at the local bar, hibachi nights, mini golfing and more!