Thermal Protection System (TPS) Integration Lead

Description:Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more — we can innovate, invest, inspire and integrate our capabilities to transform the future.

At Lockheed Martin Space, we aim to harness the full potential of space to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. We’re creating future-ready solutions, focusing on resiliency and urgency through our 21st Century Security® vision. We’re erasing boundaries and forming partnerships across industries and around the world. We’re advancing spacecraft and the workforce to fuel the next generation. And we’re reimagining how space can connect us, ensuring security and prosperity.

Join us in shaping a new era in space and find a career that's built for you.

This position supports spacecraft, missile, hypersonic, or other advanced aerospace platforms operating in extreme and highly dynamic environments.

If you’re looking for ownership, influence, and the opportunity to solve complex, high-consequence engineering challenges — this role is built for you.

The NGI Program is seeking a Thermal Protection System Integration Lead to oversee the All Up Round (AUR) TPS architecture and ensure a fully compliant TPS solution across all NGI components. This role reports to the Booster Integrated Product Team (IPT) and will work closely with the Flight Sciences IPT analysis leads and the affected component Certified Principal Engineers (CPEs).

Key Responsibilities
• Lead TPS integration across the AUR, ensuring compliance with program requirements.
• Collaborate with Flight Sciences IPT analysts and component CPEs to develop and validate TPS designs.
• Run independent sizing models and generate material models in FIAT, correlating results with test data.
• Conduct trade studies for various components and present recommendations to Engineering Review Boards.
• Manage TPS test campaigns end to end: issue acquisition requests, submit work orders to LM Labs, and coordinate subcontracted testing.
• Support requirement verification using DOORS and maintain traceability throughout the development lifecycle.
Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related technical field or equivalent hands on experience
• Minimum 3 years of full time professional engineering experience in a mechanical or aerospace environment.
• Deep understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, including structural analysis, material properties, stress/strain evaluation, and engineering calculation methods.
• Proven track record in mechanical design and/or manufacturing, with extensive experience interpreting and applying detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and bill of materials.
• Advanced proficiency with modern CAD platforms (e.g., Creo, I DEAS, SolidWorks, Catia) and familiarity with model based product definition (MBD) practices to create, validate, and manage digital product data.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in fast changing environments, quickly adjusting to evolving requirements, shifting priorities, and dynamic project schedules while maintaining high quality deliverables.
• Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills; capable of articulating complex technical concepts clearly. Proven ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams and external customers, ensuring alignment and successful project outcomes.
• US Citizenship required with active DOD Secret security clearance prior to start
Desired Skills:
• Extensive experience with ablative TPS materials (e.g., cork, Vamac, EPDM, molded rubber).
• Proficiency in FIAT for sizing and material modeling; ability to correlate models with test data.
• Knowledge of G Law erosion models for particle impact analysis.
• Expertise designing TPS solutions that address environmental challenges such as humidity, long term storage, and fungal growth.
• Familiarity with electrostatic phenomena affecting TPS (static discharge, precipitation static, direct strike lightning).
• Capability to independently execute trade studies and communicate findings to program boards.
• Proven track record driving TPS test campaigns, including acquisition planning and external test house management.
• Working knowledge of Creo and DSR6 data sets.
• Experience with DOORS and the LM requirement verification process.
Security Clearance Statement: This position requires a government security clearance, you must be a US Citizen for consideration.
Clearance Level: Secret
Other Important Information You Should Know
Expression of Interest: By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Ability to Work Remotely: Onsite Full-time: The work associated with this position will be performed onsite at a designated Lockheed Martin facility.
Work Schedules: Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
Schedule for this Position: 9x80 every other Friday off
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $85,500 - $150,765. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate’s final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
(Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
At Lockheed Martin, we use our passion for purposeful innovation to help keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work.

With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel, develop, and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility.

If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you’re invited to apply for this role. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on Lockheed Martin Jobs, and apply for roles that align with your qualifications.
Experience Level: Experienced Professional
Business Unit: SPACE
Relocation Available: Possible
Career Area: Mechanical Engineering
Type: Full-Time
Shift: First