Operations Manager, Space Institute

tamus; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Operations Manager at the Texas A&M Space Institute in Houston leads facility operations, maintenance, and infrastructure for a dynamic, multi-tenant environment. You will ensure safety, security, and reliability of buildings and systems to support research and tenant activities.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and five years of related experience, plus strong vendor coordination, access control, and emergency planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Facility Management or related field required.
• Minimum of five years' related experience in facility operations, maintenance, or project coordination.

Responsibilities

• Oversees preventative, corrective, and planned maintenance for mechanical, electrical, HVAC, custodial, and grounds operations.
• Manages vendor services, contractors, and maintenance providers to ensure quality and compliance.
• Oversees building access, safety, emergency preparedness, and tenant onboarding processes.

Skills

Facility operations

Maintenance coordination

Vendor coordination

Safety standards knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Facility Management or related field

Job description

Job Title

Operations Manager, Space Institute

Agency

Texas A&M Engineering

Department

Space Institute

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Houston, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Why work for Texas A&M Engineering?

Engineering has been part of Texas A&M University since its opening in 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. Today, the College of Engineering is the largest college on the College Station campus with more than 25,000 engineering students enrolled in 15 departments. Its mission is to serve Texas, the nation and the global community by providing engineering graduates who are well-founded in engineering fundamentals, instilled with the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior, and prepared to meet the complex technical challenges of society.

As the research arm of Engineering, the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) is a state agency within the Texas A&M University System with a mission to improve lives through basic and applied engineering research, workforce development and technology transition. Our collaborations with industry, academia and government provide cutting-edge solutions to global technical challenges.

We are deeply committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce that embraces our core values of Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Service, by offering competitive salaries, an array of benefits, an extensive support network, and above all, an enriching and highly collaborative working community that is deeply passionate about our vision for higher education, research, and public service.

Purpose

The Operations Manager, under direction, leads and oversees facility operations, maintenance, and infrastructure support for the Texas A&M University Space Institute in Houston. This position is responsible for ensuring that facilities are safe, secure, functional, and capable of supporting a dynamic, multi-tenant environment. The Operations Manager contributes to the overall effectiveness of the Institute by maintaining high operational standards, supporting tenant needs, and ensuring facility and equipment readiness to support high-quality facility operations in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversees preventative, corrective, and planned maintenance, including mechanical, electrical, HVAC, custodial, and grounds operations.
• Oversees day-to-day facility operations to ensure the building is safe, secure, functional, and maintained in accordance with university policies and applicable regulations.
• Serves as primary point of contact for facility-related issues, and service requests ensuring timely response and resolution.
• Coordinates and manages vendor services, contractors, and maintenance providers to ensure quality performance and compliance.
• Oversees building access control, key management, badging, tenant onboarding, and facility usage processes; conducts regular reviews of access permissions to ensure appropriate and secure access.
• Leads facility safety, emergency preparedness, and business continuity efforts, including safety training, fire drills, evacuation procedures, emergency response planning, corrective actions, and participation in on-call response activities.
• Assigns and coordinates facility proctors, safety monitors, and other personnel as required to support daily operations, events, and specialized activities.
• Oversees the operation, maintenance, enhancement, and reconfiguration of specialty environments, including the Moon and Mars analog scapes, utilizing and coordinating the operation of heavy equipment and specialized machinery.
• Coordinates with business operations staff on supply ordering, equipment service requests, purchase documentation, and related administrative processes.
• Establishes processes and maintains records of maintenance activities, work orders, inspections, and performance metrics.
• Supports space utilization planning and assists with coordination of facility modifications or improvements such as new equipment installation.
• Provides communication and guidance to staff and tenants regarding facility operations and procedures.
• Monitors facility performance and identifies opportunities for operational improvements.
• Coordinates with internal university departments and external partners to support facility operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What We Need

• Bachelor's degree in Facility Management, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five (5) years of related experience in facility operations, maintenance, or project coordination.

What Is Helpful

• Experience working in higher education, research, or complex multi-tenant facilities.
• Experience coordinating vendors, service contracts, and maintenance activities.
• Knowledge of building systems, maintenance practices, and safety standards.