Softgoods Engineering Technologist

Title

Softgoods Engineering Technologist

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

Around here, we define the future.

We are a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers. But we all share one goal: to improve the world responsibly and safely.

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to an ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

On the Human Health and Performance Contract 2 (HHPC2) we are at the forefront of safeguarding astronaut health, ensuring human performance, and advancing technologies for human space exploration.

We are seeking a Softgoods Engineering Technologist at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX.

What You'll Do

In this role, you design, develop, fabricate, and support testing of new and innovative functional softgoods articles for advanced exploration space suits, along with ancillary support softgoods items for the Advanced Suit Team, within the Space Suit and Crew Survival Systems Branch at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. With extreme attention to detail, craftsmanship, and presentation, you support the design, development, and manufacture of ground support, prototype, training, and flight softgoods components. You develop and make patterns to aid the manufacturing of softgoods equipment, and you read, interpret, and create fabrication drawings. You are self-motivated with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

You serve as a softgoods expert and technical point of contact. You will:

• Design, develop, fabricate, and support testing of new and innovative functional softgoods articles for advanced exploration space suits and ancillary support softgoods items for the Advanced Suit Team.
• Fabricate prototype, training, and flight softgoods equipment.
• Create patterns and develop mockups for verifying fit and function of softgoods articles.
• Read, interpret, and create fabrication drawings to assemble sewn products and other softgoods.
• Take ownership of design tasks and show initiative to complete projects.
• Clearly and thoroughly present design concepts and considerations.
• Work at a high level of technical proficiency and with detailed attention to craftsmanship and presentation.
• Collaborate and communicate with engineers, technicians, and other designers to understand requirements of working on a variety of suited space systems and hardware.
• Perform machine maintenance, repair, and custom modifications to tailor the machines for unique operations as required.
• Document any new design work and clearly define process and techniques.
• Seek out new manufacturing techniques and innovative materials.
• Keep the lab spaces clean, organized, and well maintained to perform the duties stated above.
• Occasionally travel to other NASA centers or contractors to perform softgoods fabrication and installation.
• Maintain regular attendance in accordance with the established work schedule.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring

You bring experience in the use of commercial sewing machines on lightweight to heavyweight materials, knowledge of fabric limitations, and the ability to read, interpret, and create engineering and fabrication drawings. You comply with KBR’s Safety, Health and Environmental Plan, Quality Plan, and all safety policies and procedures, and complete all assigned training.

Your Qualifications

• Typically requires a high school diploma and 5 years of experience in a softgoods role, and/or a BFA in Industrial Design or related field.
• Experience in a softgoods development lab environment with emphasis in softgoods design and fabrication.
• Hands-on experience across a wide range of fabrication techniques and equipment —such as laser cutters, fabric welders and heat-sealing equipment, also 3D printers, bandsaws, drills, hand tools, and general shop equipment. Competence with sewing equipment is required, and the broader the hands-on experience across these processes, the stronger the candidate.
• Demonstrated capability to successfully devise solutions to complex design challenges independently and by soliciting inputs from other technical experts.
• Demonstrated success working with a cross-disciplinary team.
• Competent in the use of commercial sewing machines and other softgoods industry related equipment, for example walking foot and serger machines, on lightweight to heavyweight materials, as well as precision hand sewing.
• Knowledge of fabric limitations and standard tailoring concepts, procedures, and practices.
• Able to read engineering drawings and work to written procedures.
• Able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Able to work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Basic proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• A degree is preferred but not required. An Industrial Design Degree (BFA, BID, BS, MFA, etc.) is particularly desirable; any degree(s) in Apparel Design, Textiles Design, Mechanical Engineering (with an emphasis on human factors), or equivalent design oriented degree is also preferred.
• A degree is preferred. A BFA in Industrial Design is particularly desirable; a BA, BFA, or BS in Industrial Design, Apparel Design, or equivalent is also desired.
• Proficiency utilizing CAD programs and other software such as Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Experience with pattern making in programs such as Rhino 8, Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, CLO3D, and/or an equivalent software. Experience in Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, and Rhino 8.
• Experience with aerospace softgoods fabrication and aerospace product design processes, including the ability to read, understand, and create fabrication drawings.
• Experience with fabricating processes for prototyping softgoods products.
• Hands-on experience across a wide range of fabrication techniques and equipment — laser cutters, fabric welders and heat-sealing equipment, 3D printers, bandsaws, drills, hand tools, and shop equipment. Competence with sewing equipment is required, and the broader the hands-on experience across these processes, the stronger the candidate.
• Proficiency utilizing CAD programs including Rhino 8, Solidworks, Creo and other software such as Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Multilayer Insulation (MLI) layup, layout, and fabrication experience, with knowledge of NASA procurement and documentation.
• Familiarity with softgoods article and textiles testing procedures.
• Understanding of materials characteristics and properties of advanced space grade textiles and other softgood materials.
• Familiarity with NASA/JSC softgoods design and development processes and with engineering life cycle processes.
• Ancillary experience in any number of manufacturing, testing, or design processes that could be beneficial to furthering the development of advanced space suit technologies.

Work Environment

Lab and office space, with work in other buildings, lab spaces, and test areas, including outside.

Physical Requirements

• Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (95% of time).
• May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).
• Able to lift and transport materials and equipment.
• Able to work in confined spaces and climb stairs, steps, and ladders.

Equipment And Machines

• Standard office equipment (laptop and monitors, lab telephone, printer, desk, etc.).
• Sewing machines (Adler, Juki, Pegasus, and Singer) — top feed, triple feed, zigzag, overlock, flat seamer, cylinder arm, etc.
• Heat-sealing equipment (RF welder, vacuum former, impulse sealer, bar sealer, hand sealers).
• Miscellaneous equipment (work benches, 3D printers, laser cutter, vacuum pumps, hot knife, etc.).
• Shop equipment (manual mills, lathe, CNC mills, drills, bandsaw, table saw, metal forming tooling, grinders, etc.).
• Electronics equipment (ESD bench, soldering station, power supplies, etc.).

Attendance

Regular attendance in accordance with a 7:00am – 4:30pm work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside the normal schedule and adjust the schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements. Working flexibly within a 9-80 work schedule with every other Friday off.

Other Essential Functions

• Professional behavior enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation.
• Communication with management and/or teammates about illness or other absences, as well as issues related to the work environment or project schedules.
• Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk or hazard to the employee or others.

What To Expect

This position is expected to be 100% on site and in person. Occasional travel may be required.

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Click here to learn more: KBR Benefits New | KBR

Belong, Connect and Grow here

We are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

We is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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