Title:
Textile Engineering Specialist / Softgoods Engineering Technologist (Supporting NASA at Johnson Space Center)
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.
KBR is looking for a Textile Engineering Specialist/Softgoods Engineering Technologist in the Houston, Texas area.
• Create, prototype, fabricate, and support evaluation of cutting-edge functional textile products for next-generation exploration spacesuits and related support equipment for the Advanced Suit Team as JSC.
• Maintain laboratory environments in clean, organized, and functional condition to support operational requirements.
• Assume responsibility for design assignments and demonstrate proactive leadership in project completion.
• Physical capability to handle and move materials and equipment.
• Research emerging manufacturing methods and advanced materials.
• Effectively communicate design concepts and rationale in comprehensive presentations.
• Conduct equipment maintenance, repairs, and custom adaptations to optimize machinery for specialized operations.
• Ability to operate in restricted spaces and navigate steps and ladders.
• Partner and coordinate with engineering staff, technical personnel, and fellow designers to comprehend system requirements across diverse hardware platforms.
• Review technical drawings to assemble sewn components and document innovative design work with clear process definition.
• Execute additional responsibilities as assigned.
• Generate patterns and construct prototypes to validate fit and functionality of textile products.
• Operate with exceptional technical expertise while maintaining meticulous attention to craftsmanship and professional presentation.
• Periodic travel to additional NASA facilities or contractor sites for textile fabrication and installation activities.
Required Qualifications:
• High school diploma plus 5 years in textile/softgoods capacity OR Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design or equivalent field.
• Track record of successful collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
• Competency in CAD applications and related software including Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office.
• Proven ability to independently develop solutions for complex design problems while leveraging expertise from technical colleagues.
• Proficiency across diverse hands-on manufacturing techniques and equipment– industrial sewing equipment, laser cutting systems, fabric bonding tools, 3D printing, cutting tools, drilling equipment, manual tools, etc.
• Background in textile development laboratory setting with focus on design and manufacturing.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in industrial design, Fashion Design, or related discipline.
• Additional background in manufacturing, evaluation, or design methodologies that support advancement of spacesuit technology development.
• Knowledge of textile and fabric testing methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with prototype manufacturing processes for textile products.
• Knowledge of NASA/JSC softgoods design and development.
• Background in aerospace development processes including interpretation and creation of technical fabrication documentation.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, and Rhino software platforms.
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, 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.
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 | KBR
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
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, 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.
KBR 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.
