Section Manager for Facility and Test Management

Astrion•Houston, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

We have an exciting opportunity for a Section Manager for Facility and Test Management to join the JETSII Contract at NASA Johnson Space Center, TX. This position requires a passionate individual dedicated to human space exploration and making a difference. The role involves managing a team and overseeing facility operations and test campaigns for critical space simulation systems.

Requirements

Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Engineering
Normally possess 5-10 years of related experience
Minimum of 5–10 years of project management experience (testing facility preferred)
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).
Full-time, on-site commitment at the Johnson Space Center (JSC).
U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency required

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in engineering (MS preferred) with 9–13 years of direct engineering experience in high-stakes technical environments.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
Prior experience with JSC organizational structures, EA test facilities, and NASA work order systems.
Direct experience with Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing, environmental stress screening, and human-in-the-loop test protocols.
Proficiency in Microsoft Project and integrated scheduling tools.
Experience managing technical staff within a Union/Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) framework.
Knowledgeable in the management of facilities, including the use of JSC's reporting and work order systems.
Familiarity with the physical and medical standards of JSC's clinic, particularly regarding the certification process for the workforce.

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, ensuring 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, overseeing the planning, execution and delivery of multiple concurrent projects, including 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, 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, overseeing complex maintenance schedules and ensuring all hardware meets rigorous NASA safety and engineering standards.
Drive technical innovation and continuous improvement by identifying bottlenecks in testing workflows and implementing process engineering solutions to expedite test cycles and reduce operational costs.
Serve 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.
Ensure employee safety in operational areas and 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, including onboarding, timecard approvals, leave requests, training certifications, annual performance evaluations, regular team meetings, and employee recognition.
Communicate effectively with fellow managers and project managers to resolve issues.
Offer employee counseling and ensure compliance with EEO/AA policies.
Fulfill other responsibilities as needed.