Deputy Director of Technical Operations

SUMMARY 

General Description:  The Deputy Director of Technical Operations will support the Technical Operations Director in all activities as required to keep MARS facilities, Launch Pads, Airfield and support teams at an operationally ready state.

Responsibilities and Duties:   

1. Provide direct oversight of O&M Engineers
2. Support Tech Ops Director with process development improvements
3. Manages staffing to ensure adequate support for testing, maintenance, and launch activities
4. Works in close collaboration with Tech Ops Director to execute Operations strategy
5. Manages personnel training program requirements, provides verification of personnel readiness for operation
6. Provides recommendations to ensure staffing plans and development are aligned with the organization’s operational commitments and strategic plan
7. Coaches, supports, and motivates VSA staff and clients to maintain a high performing team
8. Establishes and executes all operation plans including material, manufacturing, integration and test activities both internally and in collaboration with external departments/groups
9. Reviews and coordinates technical support to disposition constraints to near term and long-range program milestones in accordance with the operational constraints and directives
10. Assists with and improves processes, tools, documentation and management techniques to maximize engineering process execution excellence and quality
11. Collaborates with design engineering to resolve technical issues related to MARS operations and maintenance
12. Manages resources to effectively meet organizational goals and customer requirements as required
13. Leads mission management functions including direct customer interface & represent VCSFA/MARS and present deliverables at program technical reviews, proposal reviews or other technical meetings
14. Routinely communicates activities, issues, and concerns to the Tech Ops Director
15. Monitors and reports Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) deviations to Tech Ops Director
16. Function as the Tech Ops Director designee as needed/required

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this title. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified. They are not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of supervisors to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS 

General Education

College: Bachelor’s Degree

Major:   Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or Related Field   

Job-Related Experience:   10 years of experience directly related to operations and maintenance of aerospace, chemical processing, pressure systems, or similar operations environment. Direct experience with space launch systems required. 2 years’ supervisory experience required. Advanced Degree in administration or engineering preferred.  

Certifications:   None

Licenses, etc.:  Must possess a valid driver’s license

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT 

Knowledge:   Comprehensive knowledge of engineering disciplines and industry practices as applied to the operation of technical facilities. Familiar with design, construction, activation, operation, and decommissioning of complex systems. Knowledge of operational support functions such as logistics, procurement, contracts, equipment maintenance, quality assurance-related process control systems, safety programs related to industrial operations, and environmental regulations as applied to support functions.

Skills

• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Organization and attention to detail
• Proficient with Microsoft Office or related programs
• SharePoint experience preferred

Abilities:   

• Effectively lead and develop personnel
• Time management with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Demonstrates high professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues
• Read, analyze and interpret complex documents
• Respond Effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints
• Write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style
• Make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors
• Work with and apply mathematical concepts, such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions that facilitate efficient disposition and documentation
• Interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Interprets drawings, specifications, blueprints, schematics, diagrams and sketches

Competencies:

• Leadership
• Problem Solving
• Project Management
• Adaptability
• Responsibility
• Creativity
• Analytical Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Emotional Intelligence
• Cultural Awareness

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

In certain situations, employee may be asked to respond to emergencies, during work hours or outside of work hours, based on the needs of the Authority.

Physical Demands:   This is a management position in an office environment with occasional time required outside in an industrial work environment. Employee must be able to occasionally navigate safely in a complex industrial environment with exposure to metal work stands and piping.

Mental/Sensory:

• Employee conveys information and ideas clearly, both orally and in written English
• Anticipates, prevents, identifies, and solves problems in the workplace
• Assimilates complex information. Listens to, comprehends, and clarifies concerns and issues raised by colleagues and clients
• Emergency situations may present unpredictable scenarios, not anticipated in this job description

Emotional:

• Works well in stressful, high-pressure work environment
• Maintains composure and objectivity
• Is respectful
• Works with diverse personalities and levels
• Exercises a high degree of discretion when handling confidential data, documents, correspondences, and other information
• Handles multiple priorities and adapts to frequent change

Work Environment: Work is performed in a typical office setting, but will require time at field locations

The field locations regularly exposed personnel to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock. Personnel are frequently exposed to risk of radiation and vibration. Work environment involves significant risks with exposure to potentially dangerous or extremely adverse conditions which require a range of safety and other precautions, e.g. fieldwork on launch pads, near high pressure and cryogenic systems, near extremely energetic materials.

The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather), working near moving mechanical parts, outdoor weather conditions. extreme cold (non-weather) and extreme heat (non-weather).

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Must be able to obtain and maintain eligibility for issuance of a NASA credential. 

Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check and drug test.