Deputy Section Manager, Mechanical Design for Space Exploration Applications

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. Bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth.

About the role

The Deputy Mechanical Design Section Manager supports the Mechanical Design Section Manager in overseeing approximately 40 personnel involved in Mechanical System Development across several NASA Engineering Divisions. The Deputy allocates 10–20 hours per week to management duties and reports directly to the Mechanical Design Section Manager. The remainder of their time is dedicated to design-related tasking, including design execution, modeling, drawing generation, leadership on mechanical design tasks, cost estimate generation, and participation in quick-response efforts to assist design leads, resolve anomalies, or conduct complex design work.

Responsibilities

• Support the Section Manager in ensuring employees follow established procedures and deliver work products aligned with schedule, budget, and quality expectations.
• Assist in maintaining adequate mechanical design personnel coverage for Project Managers.
• Join or conduct selected meetings with Project Managers to provide updates and gather feedback.
• Support routine mechanical design reviews focused on cost, schedule, risk, and deliverable adherence.
• Provide oversight, mentorship, and guidance to individual mechanical design task leads as assigned.
• Assist task leads with tracking and maintaining efficient task performance.
• Maintain and contribute to the section’s lessons learned repository.
• Participate in mechanical system failure investigations as required.
• Support active risk management activities for technical, cost, and schedule elements of mechanical tasks.
• Communicate relevant design status, risks, and needs upward to the Section Manager and senior management.
• Support periodic section meetings, especially those related to personnel safety.
• Conduct periodic one-on-one employee check-ins when delegated.
• Review and approve time cards, overtime requests, and travel when delegated.
• Assist with resource requests, interviewing, and hiring processes.
• Document and support personnel evaluation reviews as requested.
• Generate award nominations for personnel when appropriate.
• Help establish, monitor, and track personnel training plans.
• Coordinate with colleagues to resolve cross-organizational issues involving technical challenges, process gaps, or resource limitations.
• Support establishment and oversight of technical correctness across section work.
• Contribute to updates or development of Mechanical Design and Development processes.
• Execute mechanical design, modeling, drawing creation, and development activities.
• Serve as a Mechanical Design Lead on assigned projects.
• Generate ROMs and BOEs for projects and tasks.
• Participate as a member of the Mechanical Design Quick Response Team to support other leads, conduct complex design efforts, or resolve anomalies.
• Create comprehensive design concepts from given requirements.
• Support hardware development tasks across NASA programs as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; master’s degree preferred.
• Typically 10–15 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with ASME Y14.5 and ASME Y14.100 standards.
• Experience with tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Familiarity with mechanism design, electronics packaging, and cabling.
• Previous project management experience.
• Ability to support management activities associated with a section of ~40 personnel.
• Familiarity with NASA WI EA-023, JSC PD 7120 (Class 1E), flight hardware certification, and related processes.
• Strong communication, organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with senior managers.
• Experience planning and establishing work priorities.
• Proficiency in MS Project, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.

Benefits

• Excellent personal and professional career growth opportunities.
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable.
• Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch).
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching).
• Educational reimbursement.
• Parental leave.
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• Tax-saving options.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Pet insurance.

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Pay

Compensation range or hourly rate is provided as a good-faith estimate. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Schedule

9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable.

Work Environment

• Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.
• Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time).
• May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).
• Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).
• Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust to meet peak periods and surge requirements.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be a requirement for this position. Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.