Section Manager for Facility and Test Management with Security Clearance

Astrion; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston seeks a Section Manager for Facility and Test Management to lead the Energy and Space Simulation Group's CTSD System Test Branch. You will oversee a multi-disciplinary team delivering complex facility upgrades and test campaigns.

The role emphasizes on-site leadership, safety, and performance metrics, with experience in budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and coordination with NASA clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering with 5–10 years related experience.
• 5–10 years project management experience, including supervising large technical teams.
• Ability to develop estimates, manage risk registers, and present technical data to leadership.
• On-site presence required at Johnson Space Center (JSC).
• Expertise in stakeholder management and translating milestones for NASA leadership.
• Knowledge of HSE standards and pressure system safety regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Full-time, on-site commitment at JSC.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Facility and Test Management Section within the Energy and Space Simulation Group.
• Supervise 25+ personnel including Test Directors, Mechanical Engineers, and PMs.
• Oversee facility upgrades and test campaigns, define requirements and WBS.
• Establish and monitor KPIs for project delivery and team performance.
• Manage multi-million-dollar budgets and resource forecasts; mitigate risks.
• Ensure safety and compliance with NASA engineering standards in all operations.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

Risk management

Stakeholder communication

HSE knowledge

MS Office proficiency

On-site leadership

Seamless coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

MS preferred (engineering)

PMP certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Project

Integrated scheduling tools

Job description

Overview Section Manager for Facility and Test Management

Location: NASA Johnson Space Center, TX

Status: Full Time

Clearance: Background check and U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency required

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 have an exciting opportunity for a Section Manager for Facility and Test Management to join the JETSII Contract.

QUALIFICATION / SKILLS

• Typically requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Engineering and normally possess 5- 10 years of related experience.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of project management experience (testing facility preferred) including 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).
• This role requires a full-time, on-site commitment at the Johnson Space Center (JSC).

DESIRED QUALIFICATION / SKILLS

• 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. You are responsible for 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, this may include defining project requirements, developing comprehensive Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), and managing cost, schedule, and technical scope.
• Accountable for establishing, monitoring, and achieving 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 and 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. You will oversee complex maintenance schedules and ensure all hardware-including spaceflight hardware and human-rated test systems-meets rigorous NASA safety and engineering standards.
• Drive technical innovation and continuous improvement. Identify bottlenecks in testing workflows and implement process engineering solutions to expedite test cycles and reduce operational costs.
• Perform 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, meeting or exceeding customer expectations.
• Responsible for employee safety in the operational areas and provides 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, onboarding, timecard approvals, leave requests, training certifications, annual performance evaluations, regular team meetings, and employee recognition though awards.
• 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. #CJ