Section Manager - Technical, Maintenance and Operations

Section Manager - Technical, Maintenance and Operations

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? If you are, we need you! We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to 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. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration. As NASA's largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States, we have an exciting opportunity for a Section Manager - Technical, Maintenance and Operations to join the team! Do you have the following skills? As the Technical, Maintenance and Operations Section Manager you will:

• Lead the Technical, Maintenance, and Operations Section, ensuring the operational readiness of space environment simulation facilities.
• Administer and help optimize daily operations of two supervisors leading 60+ employees, across multiple disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, calibration, data system, and altitude test technicians.
• Manage section budgets for personnel, calibration programs, and equipment with a focus on resource optimization. Actively participate in the leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and forecasting to align resource allocation with organizational priorities and performance metrics.
• Mitigate operational risks by identifying potential hazards and implementing strategies that ensure project and mission success. The goal is to minimize downtime and prevent mission-critical failures.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, successfully advocating for and implementing new methodologies and technologies that demonstrably enhance operational efficiency and quality. This includes leading initiatives that achieve measurable cost savings.
• Provide comprehensive people management, including all hiring, onboarding, and performance management tasks, to ensure high team performance. Ensure full compliance with EEO and CBA policies while also reviewing and approving all timecards and leave requests.
• Promote and sustain a robust safety culture by actively engaging in HSE activities. This involves coaching and mentoring employees, especially new hires, to achieve and maintain a high standard of safety practices and reduce incidents.
• Act as the primary point of contact for EC Division leadership, effectively managing additional tasks and needs to ensure organizational goals and objectives are consistently met.
• Lead root cause analysis investigations for all quality and safety escapes, ensuring timely identification of contributing factors and implementation of effective corrective actions.
• Oversee and review safety engineering deliverables, including hazard analyses, to ensure compliance and completeness for all tests conducted within the facility.

Requisition Qualifications: This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

• Typically requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Engineering and normally possess 5-10 years of related experience.
• Minimum of five years of experience in a management or supervisory role, with demonstrated expertise in employee coordination, resource forecasting, and team leadership.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and leading large, diverse teams of technical staff.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in facility and manufacturing oversight.
• High degree of autonomy with the ability to manage priorities and work independently.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with a focus on effective information gathering, presentation development, and communication with both internal leadership and external customers.
• Comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to enforce, safety and health regulations, standards, and best practices in the workplace.
• Strong knowledge of safety and health standards with a proactive approach to risk identification and mitigation with proven ability to assess and manage potential hazards in a dynamic workplace.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the capacity to effectively manage multiple, complex tasks simultaneously.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Full-time, on-site presence at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) is required.

Requisition Preferences:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Engineering from an accredited institution with at least 10 years of direct engineering experience. A Master of Science (M.S.) degree requires 13 years of direct engineering experience, while a Ph.D. requires 9 years of direct engineering experience.
• Established familiarity with JSC's organizational structure, protocols, and workflows.
• Possesses in-depth knowledge and ensures strict adherence to all relevant safety regulations.
• Background in environmental testing, preferably with prior involvement in the Crew and Thermal Systems Division (CTSD) at JSC.
• Demonstrated experience with test chamber operations and spaceflight hardware.
• Prior experience conducting tests involving human subjects.
• Experience in facilities management, including proficiency with JSC's reporting and work order systems.
• Capability to address and manage challenges within a Thermal Vacuum Testing facility.
• Experience with Microsoft Project.
• Previous leadership or management experience operating NASA JSC's EA test facilities.
• Prior experience collaborating with employees under a Union or Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
• Familiarity with the physical and medical standards of JSC's clinic, particularly regarding the workforce certification process.

Why Join Our Team? In addition to exciting career opportunities, we also have:

• Excellent personal and professional career growth
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
• Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)
• Much, much more!

For more information on our partnership with NASA at Johnson Space Center (JSC), please visit www.wehavespaceforyou.com

• Proof of 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.
• Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.

Essential Functions

Work Environment: Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.

Physical Requirements: Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).

Equipment and Machines: Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).

Attendance: Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements.

Other Essential Functions: Professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.