NASA AFRC Program Manager for Range Support

Metis Technology Solutions, Inc.; Edwards (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Metis Technology Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Program Manager at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center. This role is pivotal in guiding groundbreaking X-plane initiatives, providing strategic direction for contractor teams at DATR. Responsibilities include managing contract activities, ensuring compliance with NASA protocols, and overseeing mission support and data systems.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree and extensive experience in program management, particularly in aerospace environments. Strong leadership skills and a Secret Clearance are required. Join us to shape the future of aviation!

Qualifications

• 8–10+ years of program/project management experience in aerospace or flight test range operations.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams for real-time operations.
• Strong knowledge of NASA safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and management for contract activities.
• Ensure compliance with performance and safety regulations.
• Manage staffing and training needs.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Management, Information Technology, or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Quality management (AS9100/ISO)

NASA operational protocols

Job description

Are you ready to lead at the forefront of a new golden age of experimental aviation? NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center is powering the future of flight through its bold X-plane initiatives — most notably the X-59 Quesst mission, which is currently rewriting the rules of supersonic flight. With NASA’s focus on an expanded portfolio of X-planes to accelerate breakthroughs in sustainable aviation, high-speed flight, and next-generation aeronautics, this is a historic moment to shape technologies that will transform commercial aviation for decades to come.

Metis is looking for a qualified Program Manager at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center. As the Program Manager, you will play a pivotal leadership role in enabling these groundbreaking missions. You will provide on-site strategic direction and senior leadership for the contractor team supporting the Dryden Aeronautical Test Range (DATR). This includes critical real-time operations for telemetry, video, communications, data systems, mission support, maintenance, integration, safety, and compliance that make X-plane flight research possible.

Position Summary

The Program Manager serves as the primary point of contact and senior leader for the contractor’s performance under the Range Operations Support Services (ROSS) contract. This key personnel role is responsible for overall program management, ensuring high-quality engineering and technical support for the Dryden Aeronautical Test Range (DATR) operations, including mission support, systems maintenance, integration, safety, and compliance with NASA requirements at the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC). The Program Manager oversees multiple Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) elements, interfaces with NASA stakeholders, manages resources, and drives performance to meet mission objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide on-site leadership and management of all contract activities, including operations, maintenance, engineering support, and administrative functions across DATR systems (telemetry, video, communications, data systems, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS), Performance Requirement Summary (PRS), Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan, and all applicable NASA, federal, and safety regulations.
• Manage staffing, training, and scheduling to meet mission demands.
• Oversee deliverables, metric reporting (e.g., system uptime, safety/quality metrics, project development), property control, purchasing, data management, and interface with other organizations.
• Lead risk management, configuration control, safety programs, security compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with NASA TMs, COR, and other government/contractor teams for mission support, troubleshooting, and project execution.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation; ensure all personnel meet certification and training requirements.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Management, Information Technology, or a closely related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 8–10+ years of progressive experience in program/project management, preferably in aerospace, flight test range operations, aeronautical systems, or similar technical environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary teams supporting real-time operations, telemetry, video/radar systems, communications, and range safety.
• Strong knowledge of NASA operational and safety protocols (e.g., NPDs, AFPDs, AFOPs), quality management (AS9100/ISO), and government property control.
• Proven track record in stakeholder management, performance metrics reporting, budgeting, and contract compliance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Secret Clearance (or ability to obtain and maintain).

Preferred

• Prior experience with NASA or DoD range/test operations.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to support on‑site at AFRC with potential off‑site travel.

EEOE Including Vets and Disability