Aerospace Engineer (Entry Systems)
 Analytical Mechanics Associates | |
$125,000 to $140,000 based on experience and degree.
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vision insurance, long term disability, tuition reimbursement, 401(k)
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 United States, California, Mountain View | |
 Dec 20, 2025 | |
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Job Description: Job Description: AMA is accepting applications for an on-site position at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. Work will be in support of the Entry Systems and Vehicle Development Branch, part of the Entry Systems and Technology Division at NASA. The successful candidate will play an important role in the direct application of technologies and capabilities to analyze, design, develop, test, evaluate, manufacture, certify, and operate atmospheric Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) systems. Responsibilities: NASA ARC is seeking support for thermal protection and entry systems support, including: * Reconstruction surface heating profile from surface thermocouple data * Refinement and release of novel inverse heat transfer methods for post-flight reconstruction and analysis of atmospheric entry aeroheating * Instrumentation design, build, and test for ground test campaigns * Thermal response modeling of FTPS materials in support of design and arc jet testing * Planning and execution support for FTPS arc jet testing * Support for free flight CFD and dynamics discussions * Instrumentation design, build, and test for ground test campaigns * Support for flight test recovery operations * Technology transfer and collaboration with commercial partners on entry system technologies * Mentoring junior staff and interns on TPS-related projects The annual rate for this position is $125,000 to $140,000 based on experience and degree. Required Qualifications: * PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering or Masters with 3-5 years of experience * Experience with aerothermal modeling tools and computational methods * Systems engineering experience with complex aerospace systems * Familiarity with entry system dynamics, trajectories, and mission design * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * Ability to work independently and lead technical teams * U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency required due to project requirements Preferred Qualifications: * Demonstrated expertise in heat shield technologies and thermal protection materials * Knowledge of instrumentation design principles for high-temperature environments * Hands-on experience with flight instrumentation development and testing * Knowledge of TPS materials characterization and testing methods * Experience with data acquisition systems and sensor integration Nice to Have * Experience with inverse heat transfer methods and thermal data analysis * Experience with specific aerothermal codes (DPLR, etc.) * Experience with planetary entry missions (Mars, lunar, or other destinations) * Familiarity with NASA standards and processes for entry systems * Background in uncertainty quantification and validation methodologies * Experience with commercial space vehicle development * Knowledge of arc jet testing facilities and procedures * Experience with flexible thermal protection systems (FTPS) * Background in thermocouple data analysis and surface heating reconstruction Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options. AMA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws. | |