Section Manager for Facility and Test Management

About the role

We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA’s pursuits in deep space exploration. The Section Manager for Facility and Test Management will manage the Facility and Test Management Section within the Energy and Space Simulation Group, supporting the NASA Crew and Thermal Systems Division's (CTSD) System Test Branch (EC4).

Responsibilities

• Supervise a high-performing technical team of 25+ personnel, including Test Directors, Mechanical Engineers and Project Managers.
• Responsible for the technical integrity of pressure system maintenance, Facility modification and upgrades, instrumentation calibrations, Human-in-the-loop testing, and thermal vacuum operations.
• Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of facility upgrades and test campaigns.
• Oversee the planning, execution and delivery of multiple concurrent projects, this may include defining project requirements, developing comprehensive Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), and managing cost, schedule, and technical scope.
• Accountable for establishing, monitoring, and achieving Key Performance Metrics (KPIs) that measure the effectiveness of project delivery, team performance, and task order outcome for the Facility & Test Management team.
• Manage multi-million-dollar budgets and resource forecasts.
• Generate detailed estimates for leadership and NASA clients and monitor performance indicators and mitigate risks.
• Establish and enforce project management standards, tools, methodologies and best practices.
• Maintain the technical availability of numerous space simulation test facilities.
• Drive technical innovation and continuous improvement.
• Identify bottlenecks in testing workflows and implement process engineering solutions to expedite test cycles and reduce operational costs.
• Perform as the primary technical point of contact for NASA EC4 Branch clients, translating high-level mission goals into actionable engineering work orders and staffing plans, meeting or exceeding customer expectations.
• Responsible for employee safety in the operational areas and provides adherence to HSE standards and corporate policies.
• Participate actively in the leadership team, assisting Senior Managers with strategic planning and recruitment efforts.
• Handle personnel management tasks, onboarding, timecard approvals, leave requests, training certifications, annual performance evaluations, regular team meetings, and employee recognition though awards.
• Communicate effectively with fellow managers and project managers to resolve issues.
• Offer employee counseling and ensure compliance with EEO/AA policies.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Engineering and normally possess 5- 10 years of related experience.
• License and certification may be required.
• Minimum of 5–10 years of project management experience (testing facility preferred) including at least 5 years supervising large technical teams and complex facility operations.
• High-level ability to develop estimates, manage risk registers, and present technical performance data to client and leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority technical projects simultaneously while maintaining a full-time, on-site presence at Johnson Space Center (JSC).
• Expertise in stakeholder management, with the ability to translate complex technical milestones into clear, actionable project briefings for senior leadership and NASA clients.
• Comprehensive knowledge of HSE standards and pressure system safety regulations within a laboratory or facility setting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Skills

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification (preferred).
• Prior experience with JSC organizational structures, EA test facilities, and NASA work order systems (preferred).
• Direct experience with Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing, environmental stress screening, and human-in-the-loop test protocols (preferred).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project and integrated scheduling tools (preferred).
• Experience managing technical staff within a Union/Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) framework (preferred).
• Knowledgeable in the management of facilities, including the use of JSC's reporting and work order systems (preferred).
• Familiarity with the physical and medical standards of JSC's clinic, particularly regarding the certification process for the workforce (preferred).

Benefits

• 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.

Pay

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. 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

This role requires a full-time, on-site commitment at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) with a 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable.