Deputy Chief Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

SUMMARY

General Description: The Virginia Spaceport Authority is looking for a MARS Deputy Chief Engineer based in Wallops Island, VA. As the MARS Deputy Chief Engineer you will demonstrate knowledge and experience across a broad range of disciplines including systems engineering, systems analysis, launch pad certification, configuration management, and regulatory compliance. You will work with the MARS Chief Engineer and Chief Technical Officer to ensure launch pads are built to comply with codes and standards. You will oversee the configuration management processes and provide guidance to program managers and design engineers throughout the lifecycle of projects. You will be a key technical lead ensuring the launch pad systems being developed are viable, fit for purpose, satisfy stakeholder requirements, and support the mission.

Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Provide oversight and review of launch pad system engineering, including: requirement development, system verification, validation, test methods, data analysis
2. Develop the processes and workflows for the Configuration Management group, ensuring the configuration baseline is maintained and version control is clearly defined
3. Participate in the engineering review board to provide dispositions for new projects, focusing on technical compliance with relevant codes and standards
4. Ensure technical integrity and oversight of engineering execution across all VSA sites and systems
5. Manage a small team of configuration management and document control specialists
6. Prepare status reports for stakeholders
7. Assist with internal and external audits of configuration items and their statuses
8. Organize and maintain the MARS Configuration Management and archiving systems
9. Work with colleagues to ensure consistency of configuration management practices across the Authority
10. Train employees on compliant and efficient usage of configuration management systems
11. Write documentation to capture processes and workflows
12. Support the development of the technology roadmap
13. Other duties as assigned
    

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

General Education:

College: Bachelor’s Degree

Major: Engineering (preferred) or related science/technical field with relevant work experience

Job-Related Experience: 8+ years of experience working on engineering systems. Military Service may also be considered in lieu of education

Certifications: Professional Engineering license preferred

Licenses, etc.: Valid driver's license is necessary when operating a vehicle while on agency business.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Knowledge:

• Multidisciplinary knowledge of electrical, mechanical, fluids, and other disciplines related to launch pads or large-scale infrastructure
• Regulatory codes and engineering standards (NFPA, NASA-STD, ASME, NEC)
• Configuration management, version control, and process improvement
• Microsoft Office

Skills:

• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Organization and attention to detail
• Proficient with Microsoft Office or related programs
• SharePoint experience preferred
• Excellent written, verbal, and active listening skills. Must possess the ability to communicate with diverse audiences.

Abilities:

• Time management with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates high professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
• Ability to work with employees at all levels of the organization
• Ability to provide the highest level of customer service to both internal and external customers

Competencies

• Analytical
• Critical Thinking
• Reasoning
• Emotional Intelligence
• Creativity
• Problem-Solving
• Cultural Awareness
• Sensitivity

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: Work is light requiring lifting of computer equipment and involves typical office behaviors. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Position may travel between VCSFA sites. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Mental/Sensory Requirements:

• Conveys information and ideas clearly, both orally and written in English.
• Evaluates and select among alternative courses of action quickly and accurately.
• Handles problems in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems.
• Assimilates complex information, data, etc. from various sources and considers, adjusts, or modifies to meet the constraints of the particular need.
• Listens to, comprehends, and clarifies concerns and issues raised by colleagues and clients.
• Works with and understands basic financial information and data and basic arithmetic functions.

Emotional Requirements:

• Works well in stressful, high-pressure situations.
• Maintains composure and objectivity under pressure. Must be respectful and maintain a calm demeanor at all times.
• Works with diverse personalities and levels within the Authority and outside sources.
• Exercises a high degree of discretion when handling confidential data, documents, correspondence, and other information.
• Handles multiple priorities and adapts to frequent change.

Work Environment: Work is performed in a typical office setting.

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.