Engineering Lab Manager

Technician

Location: NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC), Edwards AFB, CA

Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Summary

The Engineering Lab Manager provides senior-level technical leadership and operational oversight within NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center’s Engineering Technical and Development Laboratory (ETDL) and Advanced Systems Development Laboratory (ASDL) under the Engineering and Technical Support Services (ETSS) contract.

This position manages the daily operations of engineering laboratories that support prototype design, fabrication, integration, and testing of advanced flight systems, experimental hardware, and research instrumentation. The Engineering Lab Manager ensures safe, efficient, and compliant execution of laboratory activities while coordinating multidisciplinary technical teams to support NASA’s flight research and systems development programs.

The role requires a strong combination of hands-on technical expertise and supervisory skill, ensuring that personnel, facilities, and resources are aligned to meet mission objectives.

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, including personnel assignments, work planning, and technical task execution.
• Manage fabrication, assembly, and modification of mechanical, electrical, and avionics systems supporting experimental flight projects.
• Develop and maintain laboratory operating procedures, safety protocols, and equipment maintenance schedules in compliance with NASA and OSHA requirements.
• Coordinate with NASA task leads, engineers, and project managers to define technical requirements, priorities, and resource needs.
• Manage facility and equipment readiness, including calibration, preventive maintenance, and procurement of lab tools and consumables.
• Supervise, train, and mentor engineering technicians and junior staff, ensuring adherence to procedures and safe work practices.
• Support prototype hardware design, integration, and testing, working directly with engineers during development and system checkout.
• Track project progress, labor utilization, and material status to ensure timely and cost-effective task completion.
• Lead configuration control and quality documentation for fabricated hardware, tooling, and test setups.
• Prepare and deliver technical reports, status updates, and presentations to NASA management and stakeholders.
• Implement process improvements and lean practices to enhance efficiency, safety, and lab performance.

Work Environment & Schedule

On-site at NASA AFRC (Edwards AFB).
Typical Schedule: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM, 9/80 compressed schedule (80 hours over 9 workdays per two-week period).
Work occurs in laboratory and hangar environments requiring use of PPE, lifting up to 50 lbs, and adherence to safety protocols.
Occasional extended hours may be required to meet project or flight-test milestones.

Key Benefits and Impact

• Directly contribute to NASA’s advanced systems design, integration, and research missions.
• Manage laboratories supporting prototype development, engineering test, and hardware integration.
• Collaborate with NASA engineers, technicians, and research teams on cutting-edge aerospace projects.
• Play a key leadership role in enhancing facility capability, workforce safety, and technical excellence.
• Support the next generation of flight research and experimental programs through technical innovation and disciplined lab management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Military technical school diploma or Associate degree (or greater) in Engineering Technology, Mechanical/Electrical Systems, or related technical discipline.
• Meets one of the following ETSS labor category experience standards:
•   (a) At least 15 years of relevant experience with a military technical school diploma or Associate Degree, or
•   (b) At least 20 years of relevant technical experience, or
•   (c) At least 10 years of experience with demonstrated lead technician responsibilities in assigned task areas.
• Proven experience in engineering laboratory operations, fabrication, or test environments supporting aerospace or research applications.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems integration, tooling, and test support processes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical documentation, and fabrication work orders.
• Demonstrated capability to manage personnel, coordinate multiple projects, and ensure safety and quality compliance.
• Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills.
• U.S. Citizenship required (NASA facility access).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting NASA Armstrong’s Engineering Technical and Development Lab (ETDL) or Advanced Systems Development Lab (ASDL).
• Background in prototype fabrication, hardware integration, or research system development.
• Familiarity with CAD design, machining, additive manufacturing, or electronic assembly processes.
• Knowledge of instrumentation, test setup, and data acquisition systems.
• Experience implementing laboratory safety, configuration management, and quality assurance programs.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams and interface effectively with engineers, researchers, and program management.
• Strong commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.