Technology Transfer Specialist

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 Business Development & Technology Integration (BDTI) Office enables human space exploration through technology development, technology transfer, and partnership formulation “for the benefit of all humankind.” As NASA embarks on its next era of exploration, the BDTI Office is focused on advancing technologies and partnerships to develop new capabilities supporting NASA and Johnson Space Center missions. We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized Technology Transfer Specialist to strengthen NASA’s endeavors, amplify the impact of the Technology Transfer Expansion (T2X) and Technology Transfer University (T2U) programs, and engage the Texas ecosystem and other regions to make NASA technology assets available to the public.

Responsibilities

• Represent the NASA Technology Transfer portfolio to commercialize technology through the licensing of patents and use of software via T2X/T2U directed initiatives.
• Support all aspects of T2X/T2U commercialization events, entrepreneurial programming, outreach, and other T2X/T2U initiatives as defined by NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) Technology Transfer Office and NASA Technology Transfer Headquarters leadership.
• Develop, maintain, and manage T2X/T2U relationships to advance NASA missions while closely integrating and coordinating these activities with JSC representatives.
• Develop, support, and/or lead T2X/T2U virtual meetings, share-n-tells, webinars, and outreach efforts leveraging digital business tools such as Microsoft TEAMS for education/training and actionable initiatives that lead to technology commercialization.
• Engage universities and startups through outreach in close coordination with other NASA teams responsible for implementation of JSC objectives to advance NASA missions.
• Identify opportunities to engage with business entities and organizations that leverage entrepreneurship for economic development purposes.
• Work within startup ecosystems to identify areas of collaboration and coordinate potential partnerships and agreements involving JSC with the JSC Pursuits, Formulation, and Technology Integration teams within NASA and the External Relations Office when involving universities and startups.
• Support ecosystem mapping and the implementation of events that advance commercialization opportunities with entrepreneurial communities.
• Collaborate with NASA teams in outreach efforts to maximize impact and information sharing.
• Collaborate with the External Relations Education Outreach Program in support of NASA Outreach programs.

Requirements

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a related area and normally possess 3 years of work experience.
• 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.
• Local Houston and Regional Texas travel should be expected about 1-2x per month or as the need arises. In addition, some travel to NM and CO.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, or a related discipline with a minimum of 2 years of experience.
• Entrepreneurship background – Experience and/or Education (MBA, Business Management, Business & Technology).
• Experience working with early-stage startups.
• U.S. Patent Experience – Working with or being granted patent(s).
• Familiar with Economic Development principles and organizations.
• Public Speaking/Community Relations experience.

Skills

• Strong soft skills.
• Proactive in coordinating and connecting external organizations and academia with NASA technologies.
• Detail-oriented and organized.

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.

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.