Chief, Avionic Systems Division

About the Role

The Chief of the Avionic Systems Division provides technical and administrative leadership for the design, development, integration, testing, operations, and sustainment of spacecraft avionics and software supporting all human spaceflight programs. This role leads system engineering, software lifecycle management, and test facility development while representing Center leadership and the Engineering Directorate across NASA on avionics initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical management for electronic systems and software, including command and data handling, communications and tracking, displays and controls, instrumentation systems, and data storage solutions across all human spaceflight programs.
• Lead the design, development, test, and evaluation of spacecraft electronic and software systems, including pulse code modulation equipment, timing, signal conditioning, onboard recording, communications, and caution and warning electronics.
• Oversee and direct the advancement of human-rated avionic systems discipline for Johnson Space Center (JSC) and the Agency, including systems engineering for command and instrumentation systems, data processing and software systems, and communications and tracking systems.
• Develop documentation, requirements, and specifications for design, performance, and interface controls of avionic systems.
• Review and direct the technical approach and progress toward hardware development, facility development, and operational functions.
• Establish and operate laboratories and test facilities for in-house conceptual development, test, and evaluation of avionics systems, including verification and certification for flight readiness.
• Direct mission-related engineering work within NASA, including independent checks and balances to ensure core mission capabilities are conducted proficiently.
• Establish and operate simulator facilities using computers and cockpit mockups to support manned studies, design studies, and dynamic performance tests.
• Integrate Division activities for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) programs (International Space Station, Commercial Crew Office, Commercial LEO Destinations), Orion, Human Landing Systems, Extravehicular Activity and mobility systems, and Moon Base programs, managing cost, schedule, planning, and reporting.
• Provide administrative and technical supervision to direct organizational operations, establish priorities, assign work, and ensure effective execution of the Division's mission and objectives.

Requirements

• File an 'Executive Branch Personnel Financial Disclosure Report' (OGE-278e) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
• Initial Senior Executive Service (SES) Career appointees are subject to a one-year probationary period.
• Successfully complete a background investigation commensurate with the risk and sensitivity level of the position.
• Successfully complete pre-employment and random drug testing, if required.
• Obtain and maintain a security clearance as required by the position.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
• Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine suitability for Federal employment.

Qualifications

As a basic requirement for entry into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment, applicants must clearly articulate and describe within a 2-page resume demonstrated evidence of the following:

• Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs):
  • ECQ 1 - Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: Knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and civic-mindedness.
  • ECQ 2 - Driving Efficiency: Ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
  • ECQ 3 - Merit and Competence: Technical competence to produce work of exceptional quality, problem-solving skills, agility, and resilience.
  • ECQ 4 - Leading People: Ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting organizational goals, driving a high-performance culture, and holding individuals accountable.
  • ECQ 5 - Achieving Results: Ability to achieve individual and organizational results aligned with stated goals, operational mindset, innovation, and strategic thinking.
• Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQ): Demonstrated experience in leading a team/organization responsible for human-rated spacecraft avionics systems, including data processing, displays/controls, instrumentation, communications, and tracking technologies. Experience planning and conducting large-scale design, development, and certification activities for avionic systems and flight readiness.

Candidates currently serving under a career SES appointment, eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or who have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) and are certified by OPM do not need to address the ECQs but must state their status in their resume.

Education

This position has a positive education requirement. Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in engineering, physical science, mathematics, life sciences, computer science, or other field of science. The degree, major and/or minor, and college/university must be clearly stated in the resume. Official transcripts will be required if selected.

For foreign education, credentials must be evaluated by a private organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education programs and deemed equivalent to a U.S. accredited program. For more information, visit the Department of Education Accreditation page.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits designed to make your federal career rewarding. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position held and whether it is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. For more information, visit federal benefits.