Engineering Team Lead – Aircraft Operations; NASA JSC

Work Location: Houston, TX - NASA Ellington Airport

Minimum Citizenship: U.S. Citizen

Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance

We 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.

• Serve as a working lead, performing hands‑on engineering tasks while also providing supervisory and technical leadership to the team.
• Lead and mentor a small, multidisciplinary team of engineers by guiding their daily activities, providing technical direction, and ensuring alignment with project, mission, and aircraft engineering objectives—including design, modification, testing, troubleshooting, and fabrication.
• 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.
• Oversee and support computer‑aided design activities; experience with AutoCAD and Pro/ENGINEER (Creo) is preferred.
• 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.

• Directly supervise engineering staff and support their professional development.
• Attract, hire, and retain high‑performing engineering talent.
• Set clear expectations, provide performance feedback, and ensure successful task execution.

• 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 life cycles, formal reviews, airworthiness requirements, and project management best practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new tools and systems quickly.

• 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.

• Aircraft repair and modification experience is highly desired.
• Prior experience supporting NASA or DoD contracts.
• Experience working in a regulated, safety‑critical environment.

• 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.

QTS is an equal opportunity employer and will provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment and will not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, military veteran status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family structure, genetic information, or mental or physical disability.