Section Manager – Technical, Maintenance and Operations

Amentum; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 89,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

401(k) with matching

Educational reimbursement

Parental leave

Employee stock purchase plan

Disability and life insurance

Job summary

Amentum at Johnson Space Center seeks a Technical, Maintenance, and Operations Section Manager to lead a 60+ technician team across mechanical, electrical, calibration, data systems, and altitude testing. You will ensure readiness for thermal vacuum chambers and space environment simulations, directing preventive maintenance programs.

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 5–10 years of leadership, budgeting, and scheduling experience, plus strong safety and QA focus.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 5–10 years of related experience.
• Demonstrated ability to develop cost estimates, manage risk registers, and present technical performance data to client and leadership.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project and integrated scheduling tools.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in facility and manufacturing oversight.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including effective information gathering and presentation development.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations through two subordinate supervisors, directing a multidisciplinary technician team of 60+.
• Ensure operational readiness and facility availability for thermal vacuum chambers and space environment simulations.
• Forecast resource requirements and secure personnel, equipment, and materials for testing operations.
• Manage the technician certification program and ensure qualifications stay aligned with needs.
• Maintain a strong safety culture by engaging in HSE activities and coaching staff.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Risk management

Communication

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Project

Scheduling tools

Job description

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. Amentum is NASA’s largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States.

We are looking for an Technical, Maintenance, and Operations Section Manager to join the JETSII contract.

As the Technical, Maintenance, and Operations Section Manager you will:

• Lead daily operations through two subordinate supervisors, directing a multidisciplinary technician team of 60+ spanning mechanical, electrical, calibration, data systems, and altitude testing functions.
• Ensure operational readiness and facility availability for thermal vacuum chambers and space environment simulation systems by implementing preventive and predictive maintenance programs supporting the NASA Crew and Thermal Systems Division (CTSD/EC).
• Forecast resource requirements and secure the personnel, equipment, and materials necessary to execute testing operations and project objectives.
• Manage the technician certification program by identifying current and future skill requirements, developing on the job training plans, and ensuring all qualifications remain aligned with evolving test and facility needs.
• Maintain accountability for strengthening and sustaining a strong safety culture by engaging in HSE activities, coaching staff, and driving measurable reductions in workplace incidents.
• Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations for all quality and safety escapes, applying Six Sigma tools such as Fault Tree Analysis, Ishikawa (fishbone) diagrams, and the 5 Whys to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Manage section budgets for personnel, calibration programs, and specialized equipment, and support strategic planning and forecasting to ensure proper alignment with organizational objectives.
• Mitigate operational risks and reduce facility downtime by reviewing safety engineering deliverables, identifying hazards, and leading hazard analyses to ensure mission success.
• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture by actively participating in HSE initiatives, providing coaching on safe work practices, and leading root cause analyses for all quality and safety incidents.
• Promote continuous improvement by evaluating, recommending, and implementing modern methodologies and technologies that enhance operational efficiency and drive cost savings.
• Execute full lifecycle personnel management, including hiring, onboarding, timekeeping, leave approval and performance evaluations, in compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) requirements and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) provisions.
• Serve as the principal technical liaison for EC Division leadership and project managers to streamline communication, resolve operational issues, and support mission objectives.

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. License and certification may be required.
• Demonstrated ability to develop cost estimates, manage risk registers, and present technical performance data to client and leadership.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project and integrated scheduling tools.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in facility and manufacturing oversight.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage priorities, and operate with a high degree of autonomy.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including effective information gathering, presentation development, and communication with internal leadership and external customers.
• Comprehensive knowledge of safety and health standards, with a demonstrated ability to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate workplace hazards.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple 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:
• Demonstrates in depth knowledge of applicable safety regulations and ensures strict compliance

Compensation

• Salary starts at $98,500. Final pay will be commensurate with the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications.

Why Join Our Team?

• 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.

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.

#JETS #JETSII

Compensation Details

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax-saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting

10/15/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.