Supervisory AST, Flight Systems Test

Full Job Description

The Materials and Components Laboratory Office (MCLO) Manager position is a critical leadership position at White Sands Test Facility (WSTF), responsible for 5 of the 7 Core WSTF Capabilities: Oxygen Systems Testing/Analysis, Propellants & Aerospace Fluids Testing/Analysis, Hypervelocity Impact Testing, Flight Acceptance Standard Test, and Composite Pressure Systems Testing.

They ensure these capabilities are available when NASA requires them, often for flight anomalies or launch constraints.

In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below and have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade, which has equipped you with the particular competencies needed to successfully perform the duties of the position described above.

NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work.

The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement.

To qualify for GS-14, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level: Managing aerospace test capabilities and/or projects in the areas of oxygen systems, propellants, hypervelocity impact, flight acceptance, or composite pressure systems used for mission and anomaly investigations; Coordinating technical work with engineers and contractors to plan, conduct, and document aerospace test activities supporting flight and ground hardware; Applying test methods, engineering processes, and analytical techniques to assess performance, safety, and reliability of aerospace systems and components.

Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience.

Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.

NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses.

Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process. Major Duties:

• Manage 5 core White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) test capabilities: Oxygen Systems Testing/Analysis; Propellants and Aerospace Fluids Testing/Analysis; Hypervelocity Impact Testing; Flight Acceptance Standard Test; Composite Pressure Systems Testing.
• Lead and supervise the Materials and Components Laboratory Office (MCLO) staff, assign work, set priorities, and evaluate performance to meet organizational goals.
• Oversee technical work products, validate results, and present MCLO project statuses to WSTF senior management.
• Provide technical direction to the Test Evaluation and Support Team 3 (TEST3) contractor supporting MCLO operations, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance with contract requirements.
• Obtain resources, define strategic objectives, and align MCLO capabilities with Center and Agency mission requirements ensuring availability for NASA missions, flight anomalies, and launch critical needs.
• Apply aerospace engineering expertise to plan, execute, and evaluate test programs supporting flight and ground hardware.
• Develop and implement test technologies, methods, and plans that support verification, certification, and performance evaluation of aerospace systems.
• Ensure safe operations by providing staff with resources, training, and guidance that support a safe and compliant work environment.
• Perform a full range of supervisory duties which includes assigning and evaluating work; recommending personnel actions; taking disciplinary actions; and identifying training needs and developing employees.