Section Manager – Technical, Maintenance and Operations

Are you passionate about human space exploration and avionics development? Join our diverse, mission‑driven team!

We need your creativity, teamwork, and diverse perspectives to help build systems that enable space exploration and benefit life on Earth. Join us as we tackle exciting challenges for NASA’s deep‑space missions. Amentum is NASA’s largest engineering solutions provider, working together with centers across the United States.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Technical, Maintenance, and Operations Section Manager.

• 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.
• Additional job duties as required

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.
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Engineering from an accredited institution with at least 10 years of direct engineering experience. A Master of Science (M.S.) degree requires 13 years of direct engineering experience, while a Ph.D. requires 9 years of direct engineering 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.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage priorities, and operate with a high degree of autonomy.
• Strong verbal, written, and…