ORION Thermal Protection System (TPS) Technician, Associate

ASRC Federal is a leading government contractor furthering missions in space, public health and defense. As an Alaska Native owned corporation, our work helps secure an enduring future for our shareholders. Join our team and discover why we are a top veteran employer and Certified Great Place to Work™

ASRC Federal System Solutions (AFSS) is seeking a Thermal Protection System (TPS) Technician Associate to support Orion spacecraft processing operations at Kennedy Space Center.

This role is primarily focused on soft goods TPS (MLI and thermal barriers) supporting fabrication, installation, and validation of flight hardware, with secondary responsibilities supporting hard goods TPS (tile systems).

This position plays a key role in ensuring thermal protection integrity for crewed spaceflight, operating within a precision-driven ATLO environment.

Roles and Responsibilities

Major Focus – Soft Goods TPS (MLI / Thermal Barriers)

• Fabricate, assemble, and install Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) and thermal barrier systems for Orion flight hardware
• Set up and operate industrial sewing machines for precision soft goods fabrication
• Perform and support thermal barrier bonding operations
• Review and validate MLI and thermal barrier procedures, drawings, and work instructions
• Support on-vehicle and off-vehicle installation (Aeroshells, Hatches, Heatshield)
• Assist in development and execution of MLI/soft goods flow plans within the ATLO environment

• Perform surface preparation and bonding operations in accordance with strict quality requirements

Minor Focus – Hard Goods TPS (Tile Systems) Heat Shield (Avcoat block Bonding)

• Assist with tile installation, bonding, and repair activities
• Support gap filler and closeout tile operations
• Aid in tile removal, reinstallation, and validation processes
• Contribute to tile bond plan reviews and process validation efforts

Shared Responsibilities (Orion Processing Environment)

• Work from engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions
• Support instrumentation installation and integration activities
• Utilize standard aerospace assembly tools and materials
• Perform modifications, rework, inspections, and quality testing
• Maintain strict adherence to cleanliness, contamination control, and flight hardware handling requirements
• Support production flow, risk reduction, and mission assurance effort

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 0–2 years of hands-on fabrication or technical experience
• Ability to perform precision assembly and sewing/fabrication tasks
• Ability to work in a production and flight hardware environment
• Must be a U.S. citizen to meet contract requirements.
• Must successfully complete a government background investigation.
• Must successfully pass pre-employment drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with MLI, thermal barriers, or soft goods fabrication
• Experience operating industrial sewing equipment
• Familiarity with spacecraft processing or cleanroom environments
• Exposure to TPS tile systems (secondary skillset)

We invest in the lives of our employees, both in and out of the workplace, by providing competitive pay and benefits packages. Benefits offered may include health care, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k); education assistance; paid time off including PTO, holidays, and any other paid leave required by law. The salary offered will depend on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, geographic location, internal equity, business needs, and other factors permitted by law. Posted pay ranges are a general guideline only and are not a guarantee of compensation or salary.

EEO Statement

ASRC Federal and its Subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, protected veteran status, or any other factor prohibited by applicable law.