Section Manager for Facility and Test Management

Overview

The Overview section manager for Facility and Test Management is needed at NASA Johnson Space Center, TX. The position is full-time and requires a background check and U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Engineering and 5-10 years of related experience.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of project management experience (testing facility preferred) including 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.
• 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).

Responsibilities

• 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).
• Supervise a high-performing technical team of 25+ personnel, including Test Directors, Mechanical Engineers and Project Managers.
• 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.
• Establish, monitor, and achieve 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 through awards.
• Communicate effectively with fellow managers and project managers to resolve issues.
• Offer employee counseling and ensure compliance with EEO/AA policies.