Work Location: Houston, TX - NASA Ellington Airport
Minimum Citizenship: U.S. Citizen
Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance
About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced Engineering Team Lead to support NASA's Aircraft Operations Division at the Johnson Space Center. This is a working lead role, meaning you will perform hands-on engineering tasks in addition to your supervisory and leadership responsibilities. You will lead a small, multidisciplinary engineering team delivering critical aircraft engineering solutions that support NASA missions. You will combine technical leadership, direct technical contribution, people management, and customer engagement to ensure high-quality, on-time results in a dynamic aviation environment.
What You'll Do- Primarily perform hands-on engineering work (approximately 80%) while also leading a small multidisciplinary team (approximately 20%) by providing daily guidance, technical direction, and ensuring alignment with project, mission, and aircraft engineering objectives across design, modification, testing, troubleshooting, and fabrication activities.
- Create and modify 3D solid models and assemblies in Creo Parametric.
- Generate and maintain 2D manufacturing and assembly drawings.
- Provide technical oversight and review of engineering products, including structural analysis, aircraft repair, and systems integration.
- Plan and manage project staffing, schedules, and priorities to meet cost, schedule, and performance objectives.
- Serve as a primary technical interface with NASA customers, addressing concerns and aligning engineering solutions with mission needs.
- Identify technical and program risks, evaluate alternatives, and provide clear, data-driven recommendations.
- Brief senior management and customers on project status, metrics, and technical outcomes.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive team culture focused on accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
What You Bring - Strong technical judgment and problem-solving skills in an aviation or aerospace environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment.
- Strong working knowledge of aerospace engineering principles, including aerodynamics, aircraft systems, and flight vehicle subsystems.
- Strong working knowledge of engineering project lifecycles, formal reviews, airworthiness requirements, and project management best practices.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new tools and systems quickly.
Required Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Engineering with 12+ years of relevant experience, or
- Master's degree in Engineering with 9+ years of relevant experience.
- At least 3 years of experience leading an engineering team or project group.
- Experience in aviation or aerospace engineering across the full project lifecycle.
- Recent experience with 3D modeling and drawing support for mechanical components, assemblies, and technical data packages; develop and revise engineering drawings in accordance with applicable standards
Preferred Qualifications - Aircraft repair and modification experience is highly desired.
- Prior experience supporting NASA or DoD contracts.
- Experience working in a regulated, safety-critical environment.
Why Join Us - Support high-visibility NASA missions with real-world impact.
- Lead and shape a highly skilled engineering team.
- Work in a collaborative environment alongside government and industry experts.
- Competitive compensation and benefits with long-term program stability.
