A gas turbine engine system includes a gas turbine engine, a temperature-sensitive component, and a thermal protection structure. The gas turbine engine has an engine core that generates heat while operational and for a period after operation. The temperature-sensitive component is disposed at a component location proximate the engine core. The thermal protection structure is interposed between the temperature-sensitive component and the gas turbine-engine, and includes a phase change material (PCM) layer disposed to absorb a transient heat spike from the engine core.