Branch Manager - Material Components Laboratories

Sierra Lobo, Inc.•Las Cruces, NM

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is a full-time role supporting the NASA White Sands Test Facility Materials & Components Laboratories Department in Las Cruces, NM. The Materials & Components Laboratories Department is organized into four branches, and this role is one of the four Branch Manager positions, reporting directly to the Department Manager. The Branch Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a team of approximately 15-22 individuals, which may include engineers, scientists, and technicians. The role involves overseeing project management, technical performance, personnel management, career development, and ensuring compliance with training and work practices. The Branch Manager will manage task orders, ensuring accurate and timely submissions, and oversee their cost and schedule performance. This role requires interfacing with NASA Project Managers, providing mentoring and guidance to teams, and proactively addressing technical or programmatic issues. The Branch Manager will also participate in department-level activities.

Requirements

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a technical or business field.
8+ years of experience in the field or in a related area.
Demonstrated leadership ability.
Good communication skills.
Must have demonstrated a very strong commitment to safety.

Nice To Haves

Previous management experience.
Experience in a testing environment.
Previous experience leading or supervising union personnel.
Current or prior WSTF experience, especially within the Materials & Component Labs Department.

Responsibilities

Managing the day-to-day operations of a team of approximately 15-22 individuals.
Overseeing all aspects of the branch's operations, including project management, technical performance, personnel management, and personnel career/skill development.
Ensuring employee compliance with WSTF training and work practices.
Developing and submitting task orders, or task order revisions, accurately and on time with high first-time quality.
Managing respective TOs for cost and schedule performance.
Interfacing with numerous NASA Project Managers to keep them informed or to engage them on issues affecting the branch.
Ensuring group leaders are providing the mentoring and guidance their teams require.
Proactively addressing issues, technical or programmatic, as soon as they are identified.
Elevating concerns if they cannot be solved within the branch efficiently.
Participating in various department-level activities with, or in place of, the Department Manager as needed.