Chief Structural Engineering Division

About the role

Serves as Chief, Structural Engineering Division, providing overall technical and administrative leadership. Oversees design, development, testing, integration, operations, and activities sustaining engineering in structures, materials, loads, fracture analysis, environments, structural dynamics, thermal protection and control, mechanical systems, and advanced manufacturing in support of human spaceflight programs.

Responsibilities

• Technical management of activities in structures, materials and processes, fracture analysis and control, environments, structural and mechanical design analysis, heat‑transfer analysis, thermodynamics analysis, structural and kinematics loads analysis; structural and environmental testing; general process improvements, advanced manufacturing process development and manufacturing.
• Lead efforts across all human spaceflight programs, including the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Program, International Space Station (ISS), Commercial Crew Office, Commercial Destination Office, Orion, Human Landing systems, extravehicular activity and mobility systems, and Moon Base programs.
• Lead the organization in the design, development, test and evaluation of spacecraft structural, mechanical and thermal protection systems, including ablative and non‑ablative heat‑shield design, analysis and certification, docking systems design, multipoint dynamics and contact analysis, certification of on‑orbit docking, and mass optimization.
• Provide oversight and direction for the advancement of domain disciplines for JSC and the Agency, managing overall systems engineering to accomplish successful design, development, implementation, integration and operation of spacecraft systems.
• Oversee and direct execution of mission‑related engineering work within NASA, establishing stakeholder‑independent checks and balances, and defining, developing, implementing, integrating and verifying avionics systems for space‑flight programs assigned to JSC.
• Establish requirements and milestones; provide technical leadership and coordination; facilitate implementation of activity results; and transfer technology improvements to industry.
• Establish and operate laboratories and test facilities for structural and dynamic testing in support of in‑house conceptual development, certification, failure analysis, and verification for flight readiness.
• Manage on‑site manufacturing capabilities, including light and heavy machine shops, composite and sheet‑metal production, additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, surface finishing, painting and cleaning facilities capable of handling engineering development and flight‑hardware production.
• Supervise and control the work of the organization, providing administrative and technical supervision necessary for accomplishing the Division’s work.
• Represent the Division with upper Center management and the Directorate across the agency, providing domain expertise to other centers.

Requirements

• File an Executive Branch Personnel Financial Disclosure Report (OGE‑278e) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
• Subject to a one‑year probationary period as an initial Senior Executive Service (SES) career appointee.
• Successful completion of a background investigation commensurate with the risk and sensitivity level of the position.
• Potential requirement for pre‑employment and random drug testing.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance as required by the position.
• U.S. citizenship or National status.
• Meet qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment as requested by the agency.

Qualifications

Applicants must submit a two‑page resume that clearly demonstrates the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) required for a Senior Executive Service career appointment. Only the two‑page resume will be accepted; additional documents will not be considered.

Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)

• Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding – knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to the Constitution, and civic‑mindedness.
• Driving Efficiency – strategic resource management, fiscal responsibility, waste reduction, and leveraging technology.
• Merit and Competence – technical skill, problem solving, agility and resilience.
• Leading People – accountability, developing others, executive judgment, and leading through change.
• Achieving Results – operational mindset, innovation, and strategic thinking.

Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQ)

Demonstrated experience leading a team or organization responsible for human spacecraft structural mechanics, including structural design and analysis, materials, load and dynamics, mechanical systems, and thermal protection systems across all lifecycles from design and development through large‑scale testing, vehicle system definition and integration, and certification of structural engineering systems through flight readiness.

Education

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, physical science, mathematics, life sciences, computer science, or another scientific field is required. The resume must list degree, major/minor, and institution. Official transcripts will be required if selected. Foreign education must be evaluated by a recognized private organization for equivalency to an accredited U.S. program.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health, retirement, and other benefits designed to make a federal career rewarding. Eligibility depends on the type of position and full‑time/part‑time status; contact the hiring agency for specific details.