Title:

Deputy Program Manager

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! 

Around here, we define the future.

We are a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers. But we all share one goal: to improve the world responsibly and safely.

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

We are a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers and dreamers and we all share one goal: to improve the world responsibly and safely. On the Human Health and Performance Contract 2 we are at the forefront of safeguarding astronaut health, ensuring human performance, and advancing technologies for human space exploration. We are seeking a Deputy Department Manager for Flight Hardware in the HHPC2 Engineering Department at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX.

What You’ll Do:

In this role, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the department’s efficiency, directly influencing how flight hardware projects are executed, and team members are supported to achieve organizational goals. You will lead the Engineering Leadership Team supporting task order managers, synergizing flight hardware disciplines and guiding resolution for challenges across the Flight Hardware section. You will actively seek new work opportunities. 

You will:

• Serve as a technical advisor to the Department Manager
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with key customers, stakeholders, and management. 
• Improve and sustain engineering processes, procedures, policies, and work instructions to promote technical excellence
• Facilitate cross project coordination and knowledge sharing 
• Maintain technical excellence for the Flight Hardware section by facilitating cross project and department coordination and knowledge sharing
• Chair the Flight Products Control Board
• Chair a monthly project management and risk and opportunities review of flight hardware projects
• Develop and sustain a master projects milestone schedule
• Oversee the project cost estimation process in coordination with task order managers
• Lead internal process audits within the Flight Hardware section; participate in external quality audits (ISO9001, AS9100)
• Champion process improvements using principles of Lean Six Sigma
• Support Discipline Leads in establishing and sustaining a training and development program, with emphasis on knowledge of the engineering lifecycle and risk-informed decision making
• Manage Work in Process reporting; facilitate completion of quarterly open items
• Consult with KBR management and external customers on growth of strategic initiatives and government projects
• Perform the duties of a functional manager while leading other employees

What You Bring:

You bring experience with leading complex hardware projects, integrating daily work of different disciplines, and interacting with and meeting the needs of the customer.  You rely on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. You negotiate with other managers within the department and HHPC2 for resources allocation to support flight hardware projects and department goals. You bring a mature, professional judgment. You comply with KBR’s Safety, Health and Environmental Plan, Quality Plan, and all safety policies and procedures, and complete all assigned training.

Your Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related Engineering field
• Minimum of 17 years of applicable professional experience
• Familiarity with NASA contracts and processes desired

Your Skills:

• Demonstrated experience managing projects in accordance with EA-023, Project Management for the Engineering Directorate and/or SA-WI-04, Project Management of Flight Hardware Developments
• Demonstrated experience with engineering project management, development, design and execution under the HHPC2 is highly desirable
• Familiarity with NASA and HHPC2 Problem Reporting and Corrective Actions and Discrepancy Reporting
• Familiarity with project management practices and working with Business Office/Program Office on financial challenges
• Demonstrated leadership experience on complex technical projects
• Demonstrated ability to manage resources and integrate employees toward a common goal
• Effective at handling multiple tasks; flexible and respond quickly and positively to change
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to interact across organizations and all levels of personnel
• Demonstrated leadership qualities to inspire and build a culture of safety and quality

What to Expect

This position is expected to be 100% on site and in person. Occasional travel may be required.

Why KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture.  These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to an ongoing journey toward being a People First company.  That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together. 

KBR Benefits  

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule.  We support career advancement through professional training and development.  

Click here to learn more:  KBR Benefits New | KBR 

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture.  These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company.  That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together. 

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.