Associate Director of Engineering & Technology

Associate Director of Engineering & Technology is the senior executive responsible for leadership of the Space Telescope Science Institute's engineering and technology functions and strategic direction. STScI is the science operations center for the Hubble, James Webb, and the future Roman Space Telescopes, the mission operations center for James Webb Space Telescope, and host of the data archives for a number of NASA missions.

The AD of E&T will lead the development and execution of STScI's roadmap to unify and modernize STScI's engineering practices and information technologies to enable the efficient operations our missions while preparing for the future. This role provides high-level oversight and technical direction for STScI's engineering divisions supporting software development, data management, cloud infrastructure, systems engineering, integration and testing, science and flight operations, and IT services.

This role requires both strong technical expertise in modern best practices for software engineering, data management, and IT infrastructure, as well as strong leadership and communication skills. The AD of E&T will promote a strong working culture based on collaboration and accountability within the engineering & technology divisions and across STScI. The AD will foster a customer-based approach to ensure that STScI is meeting the needs of the astronomy community and our NASA stakeholders.

The AD of E&T is a key member of the STScI senior leadership team and collaborates across STScI's divisions to deliver on STScI's mission objectives. The position will be majority on-site with limited hybrid.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop a comprehensive engineering strategy and technology roadmap to achieve the goals and objectives of STScI and the Missions with focus on scalability, operational efficiency, and cross-mission and division alignment.
• Develop and implement an integrated and cost-effective approach to maintaining technology architecture across STScI.
• Lead organizational change and align internal teams with a unified vision for engineering and technology.
• Effectively communicate vision and priorities to multiple audiences, including non-technical stakeholders.
• Advise the Director and STScI leadership on engineering and technology needs in key decision making processes.

Team Management:

• Provide high-level oversight and management of STScI's engineering and technology divisions.
• Oversee hiring, development, and retention of top talent
• Foster a positive work environment with trust, collaboration, and continuous development for STScI's engineering and technology division, and promote collaboration across STScI.
• Develop effective relationships with internal, external, and NASA stakeholders

Project Management:

• Work closely with executive leadership, division/mission leadership, and internal and external stakeholders to prioritize projects based on business needs and resource availability.
• Adapt project management frameworks (e.g. Agile, waterfall) based on project needs and stakeholder requirements.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.

Technological Leadership:

• Maintain deep understanding of relevant technologies and industry trends across software development, infrastructure, and data management.
• Provide technical guidance and support to engineering teams on complex technical challenges.
• Proactively adopt new technologies and industry best practices when aligned with STScI needs.
• Enable innovation to enhance services, processes, and systems for optimum efficiency.
• Identify and mitigate technology-related risks, ensuring appropriate security regulations compliance.

Occasional:

• Some travel may be required.

SUPERVISION:

Reports to Director; works independently and in coordination with the Director. Supervises Division Heads of Data Management; Science Operations & Engineering; Systems Engineering, Integration, Testing, & Operations; Information Technology

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or other related field;
• Advanced degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or other related field preferred

Experience:

Two or more of the following:

• 5+ years of experience leading Software Engineering teams utilizing DevSecOps and/or Platform Engineering approaches. Certification for SCRUM, Agile, or other methodologies is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience leading development of data management systems on premises and in the cloud;
• 5+ years of experience leading the implementation of cloud computing/infrastructure as code. Experience implementing data solutions in AWS is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience leading software systems engineering teams. Experience with Digital Engineering, Model-Based Engineering, and/or NASA Systems Engineering requirements is plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Leadership Skills:
  
  • Recognized as a leader through current or past experience in leadership positions requiring initiative, independent judgment, and sound decision-making.
  • Ability to serve as an agent for change including motivating staff.
  • Continually demonstrates leadership qualifies through teambuilding and effective management of team(s).
  • Understands the impact that decisions and recommendations have on teams, divisions, missions, and the Institute.
• Engineering Skills
  
  • Extensive understanding of systems engineering principles and operations.
  • Extensive experience with logistical planning and execution.
  • Strong knowledge of data repositories and processing applications.
  • Knowledge of spacecraft flight systems and operations.
• Technical Skills
  
  • Thorough understanding of technology trends and best practices
  • Extensive knowledge of software and systems development, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data management.
  • Experience driving initiatives and leveraging cloud technologies
• Problem Solving:
  
  • Strong analytic and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify solutions to complex issues.
  • Ability to clearly and consistently identify problems or areas that require coordination or negotiation of effort between elements.
  • Ability to identify and use metrics to make critical date-driven decisions.
• Communication:
  
  • Excellent verbal, presentation, and written skills required.
  • Ability to make effective and persuasive presentations on controversial or complex topics to a variety of audiences.
  • Ability to respond appropriately and effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Interpersonal Skills:
  
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships within the Institute, with AURA and oversight entities, with NASA, and with other outside entities.

Interested candidates are requested to complete an on-line application, which includes your resume and a cover letter in a single PDF attachment. The cover letter should explain how you meet the requirements, your vision for this position, and how you would enhance the commitment to advance the STScI multi-mission strategy.

Please only use this link to apply: https://stsci.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/83340

Applications received by April 30, 2025 will receive full consideration.

The annual salary range is 240-300K.The posted salary range represents a general guideline; however, STScI considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers, such as internal pay equity, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education, and skill, and current market conditions.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at careers@stsci.edu.