The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.  

VSD partners closely with the Human Exploration and Space Flight (HESF) Subdivision in support of NASA customer across all aspects of human space flight. We are looking for a Computer/Human Interface Project Leader (Project Leader - Technical Project Management) to support the on-going development of human/machine interfaces for crewed spacecraft. In this role you will be responsible for the planning and execution of hardware build projects. As part of a project leadership team, which includes the project Principal Investigator and Project's Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for the timely delivery of specific project deliverables in accordance with project requirements (technical, cost & schedule) In this role you will lead and work with multi-functional, cross-organizational teams to design, build, test and operate complex displays, controls (stick, steering, switches, etc.) audio, video, lighting, laptops, etc. that involve how the human operates and monitors a vehicle. This role may also include managing of ground-based or airborne test systems. You will use your innovative problem-solving abilities as well as your strong team building and leadership skills to successfully deliver to the mission. 

This requisition has been created in anticipation of a potential business need.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX. 

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Manage multiple projects through all phases of development: Proposal, Concept, Requirements, Design, Build, Assembly, Integration and Test (AI&T), Delivery, Launch, Post Launch, etc. 

• Work with project teams to ensure work is performed in accordance with mission/project requirements, planned budgets, schedules, and program risk posture

• Manage roadblocks, workarounds and unexpected events on projects to maintain optimal technical, cost and schedule performance

• Create and maintain strong working relationships and lines of communication with both internal/external customers and other team member organizations

• Work with assigned teams to develop project cost and schedule plans for new business proposals; work with Aerospace estimating and contracts teams to ensure compliant submission of new business proposals

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related technical discipline 

• 6+ years of increasingly responsible, related project management experience

• Experience working in a hardware engineering role

• Experience in team leadership, project management, project planning and/or project execution

• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. 

How You Can Stand Out  

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or closely related field

• Direct project management experience

• Human spaceflight hardware experience in project/product team leadership and execution

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders and external customers

• Knowledge and understanding of procurement, property and business practices

• Experience with Microsoft Project or other project management tools