Section Manager – Facility & Test Management
Amentum | NASA JETS II Contract
Location: Johnson Space Center (JSC), Houston, TX
Work Arrangement: Full-time, On-site
About the Role
Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working on programs that make a global impact? Amentum—the nation’s largest NASA services contractor, supporting NASA at every center across the United States—is seeking a Section Manager for Facility & Test Management to join our JETS II Contract team at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
In this highly visible leadership role, you will lead a dynamic, multidisciplinary organization of approximately 20–25 personnel, supporting NASA’s Crew and Thermal Systems Division (CTSD), System Test Branch (EC4). Your team includes Test Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Design & Test Engineers, Test Directors, Controls Engineers, and Safety Engineers, delivering critical test capabilities for human‑rated spaceflight systems.
This role offers a unique opportunity to partner directly with NASA, lead complex testing operations, and help shape the future of deep space exploration while advancing Amentum’s mission‑critical engineering services.
Key ResponsibilitiesOrganizational & People Leadership
- Manage the Facility & Test Management Section within the Energy and Space Simulation Group.
- Supervise, mentor, and develop a high‑performing technical team of 25+ personnel, including Test Directors, Mechanical Engineers, and Project Managers.
- Maintain accountability for technical execution, employee performance, and operational safety.
- Handle personnel management responsibilities including onboarding, timecard approvals, leave administration, training certifications, annual performance evaluations, team meetings, and employee recognition through awards.
- Provide employee counseling and ensure compliance with EEO/AA policies, corporate standards, and HSE requirements.
Technical & Program Leadership
- Maintain technical integrity and oversight of:
- Pressure system maintenance
- Facility modifications and upgrades
- Instrumentation calibrations
- Human‑in‑the‑loop testing
- Thermal vacuum (TVAC) operations
- Maintain technical availability of multiple complex space simulation test facilities.
- Ensure all test hardware—including spaceflight and human‑rated systems—meets stringent NASA safety, engineering, and operational standards.
Project & Financial Management
- Lead the end‑to‑end lifecycle of facility upgrades and test campaigns, managing multiple concurrent efforts.
- Define project requirements and develop Work Breakdown Structures (WBS).
- Manage cost, schedule, and technical scope across programs.
- Establish, monitor, and achieve Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) measuring project delivery, team effectiveness, and task order success.
- Manage multi‑million‑dollar budgets, resource forecasts, and detailed cost estimates for NASA customers and Amentum leadership.
- Proactively identify, track, and mitigate project and operational risks.
Performance & Continuous Improvement
- Establish and enforce project management standards, tools, methodologies, and best practices.
- Identify bottlenecks in testing workflows and implement process improvements to accelerate test execution and reduce operating costs.
- Drive technical innovation while maintaining compliance with NASA and Amentum requirements.
Stakeholder Engagement
- 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 while meeting or exceeding customer expectations.
- Communicate effectively with fellow managers and project managers to resolve technical, schedule, and resource issues.
- Participate actively on the leadership team, supporting senior managers with strategic planning and recruitment efforts.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
- Typically 5–10 years of related experience, including 5+ years supervising large technical teams and complex facility operations.
- 5–10 years of project management experience, preferably supporting test facilities or laboratory environments.
- Proven ability to develop estimates, manage risk registers, and present technical performance data to customers and senior leadership.
- Ability to manage multiple high‑priority technical projects simultaneously while maintaining a full‑time, on‑site presence at JSC.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Comprehensive knowledge of HSE standards and pressure system safety regulations.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 9–13 years of direct engineering experience (Master’s degree preferred).
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
- Prior experience with NASA Johnson Space Center organizational structures, EA test facilities, and NASA work order systems.
- Hands‑on experience with:
- Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing
- Environmental stress screening
- Human‑in‑the‑loop test protocols
- Proficiency in Microsoft Project or integrated scheduling tools.
- Experience managing technical staff within a Union/Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) environment.
- Knowledge of facility management processes and JSC reporting and work order systems.
- Familiarity with JSC clinic physical and medical certification standards.
Why Join Our Team?
In addition to exciting work supporting NASA’s mission, Amentum offers:
- Excellent personal and professional growth opportunities
- 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
- On‑site cafeteria (breakfast and lunch)
- Comprehensive benefits package including:
- 401(k) with matching
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Relocation assistance
- Flexible spending and health savings accounts
- Employee Assistance Program
Learn more about our partnership with NASA at JSC:
www.wehavespaceforyou.com #JETS #JETSII
Pay: $80,604.18 - $150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
