Section Manager for Facility and Test Management

Mclaurin Aerospace • Houston, TX

7d • Onsite

About The Position

This role involves managing the Facility and Test Management Section within the Energy and Space Simulation Group, supporting NASA's Crew and Thermal Systems Division's System Test Branch. The position requires supervising a technical team of over 25 personnel, including Test Directors, Mechanical Engineers, and Project Managers. Key responsibilities include ensuring the technical integrity of pressure system maintenance, facility modifications and upgrades, instrumentation calibrations, Human-in-the-loop testing, and thermal vacuum operations. The role also entails leading the lifecycle of facility upgrades and test campaigns, overseeing multiple concurrent projects, managing budgets, establishing KPIs, and driving technical innovation. The Section Manager will act as the primary technical point of contact for NASA clients, translate mission goals into actionable work orders, and ensure employee safety and adherence to HSE standards. Additionally, the role involves active participation in the leadership team, strategic planning, recruitment, and personnel management tasks such as onboarding, performance evaluations, and team meetings.

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.
• Maintain 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).
• This role requires a full-time, on-site commitment at the Johnson Space Center (JSC).
• US Citizenship and the ability to pass a comprehensive security background investigation is 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.
• Supervise a technical team of 25+ personnel, including Test Directors, Mechanical Engineers and Project Managers.
• Ensure 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, including defining project requirements, developing Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), and managing cost, schedule, and technical scope.
• Establish, monitor, and achieve Key Performance Metrics (KPIs) for project delivery, team performance, and task order outcomes.
• 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.
• Oversee complex maintenance schedules and ensure all hardware meets rigorous NASA safety and engineering standards.
• Drive technical innovation and continuous improvement by identifying bottlenecks and implementing process engineering solutions.
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for NASA clients, translating 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 in the leadership team, assisting Senior Managers with strategic planning and recruitment.
• Handle personnel management tasks including onboarding, timecard approvals, leave requests, training certifications, annual performance evaluations, 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.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Positive work-life balance
• 100% Employer paid insurance including: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, and long-term disability
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Generous PTO
• 401k after 12 months of service with employer match
• Education assistance
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior