# Deputy Director Engineering Directorate **Company:** [NASA](https://zerogtalent.com/space-companies/nasa) **Location:** Hampton, Virginia **Work mode:** On-site **Seniority:** Director **Employment type:** Full Time **Salary:** USD 197K–211K/yr **Category:** Aerospace Engineering **Department:** Mechanical **Listed:** 2026-11-09 [View and apply on Zero G Talent](https://zerogtalent.com/space-jobs/nasa/deputy-director-engineering-directorate-892101900) ## What you'll do - Lead systems engineering and integration for aerospace programs - Manage directorate budget and risk management processes - Define long-range goals for the Engineering Directorate - Establish partnerships critical for center success - Integrate succession planning and hiring strategies ## What you need - Bachelor's degree in engineering or science required - SES eligibility or CDP certification required - Experience leading large-scale aerospace systems engineering organizations - Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) required - Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQ) required ## Job description The Deputy Director, Engineering Directorate at NASA's Langley Research Center is responsible for providing systems engineering and discipline engineering capabilities to the Center. The incumbent provides technical leadership and systems management to engineers, technicians, and business personnel required to deliver and/or compete effectively for, and meet commitments on, engineering and technology work that support the research, science, and technology needs of the Center and the Agency. ### Major Duties The Deputy Director Engineering Directorate: Provides leadership and management of systems development, systems engineering, and integration of hardware and software for aerospace, research, space flight missions, and technology development programs. Champions high-quality multi-disciplinary engineering competencies, systems engineering and integration, and cost-effective product development processes needed to create concepts; conduct trade studies; design, develop, fabricate, integrate, and test hardware and software to support ground and flight systems for Center and Agency efforts. Works closely with the Engineering Director and other Center organizations to ensure that all Center plans and work are consistent and well-integrated within the overall Center strategy and operating plan. Defines long range goals and measures for the Engineering Directorate and ensures development of strategically selected capabilities (competencies, workforce, infrastructure) needed to support programs and build future capabilities, programs, and elements that are aligned with NASA mission needs. Strengthens existing partnerships and establishes new partnerships (both traditional and non-traditional) critical for success. Monitors and evaluates market intelligence, technical intelligence, and competitive intelligence to ensure center capabilities are exceeding state of the art and maintain a leadership role in recognized areas of expertise. Develops, maintains, and promotes the use of a lessons-learned knowledge capture system. Integrates directorate succession planning, training, development, and hiring strategies across the directorate consistent with strategic goals, objectives, and capability needs. Manages the Directorate budget and risk management processes to ensure integration of resource priorities, risks, and funding. ### Qualifications As a basic requirement for entry into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment, you must clearly articulate and describe within your 2-page resume that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications MTQ(s) related to this position. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and MTQ(s), you may be disqualified. Any additional pages over the 2-page limit will not be reviewed. Your resume should include evidence of progressively responsible supervisory, managerial, or professional experience which involved management of a program or organization of significant scope and complexity, normally obtained over several years by serving in positions at the GS-15 level or equivalent. If you are (1) currently serving under a career SES appointment, (2) eligible for reinstatement into the SES (this means you were previously employed as a Career SES employee and you successfully completed a one-year probationary period), OR (3) have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) and certified by OPM, you do not need to address the ECQs in your resume. However, your resume must clearly state that you are a current career SES, eligible for SES reinstatement, or SES CDP certified and year of certification. Please DO NOT submit separate documents addressing the ECQs or MTQ(s). Only your 2-page resume will be accepted and considered. Any additional documents submitted will not be accepted. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs) For more information on the ECQs, please visit OPM's ECQ webpage. ECQ 1 - Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. Competencies: Knowledge of the American System of Government, Commitment to the Rule of Law, and Civic-Mindedness ECQ 2 - Driving Efficiency: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. Competencies: Fiscal Responsibility, Managing Resources, Leveraging Technology ECQ 3 - Merit and Competence: This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. Competencies: Technical Skill, Problem Solving, Agility and Resilience ECQ 4 - Leading People: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. Competencies: Accountability, Developing Others, Executive Judgment ECQ 5 - Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Competencies: Operational Mindset, Innovation, Strategic Thinking MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION (MTQ): Your resume must include accomplishments that address the MTQ(s). MTQ: Demonstrated experience leading and directing large-scale systems engineering or multi-disciplinary engineering organizations through the lifecycle of complex aerospace/space programs, including strategic planning, design, development, fabrication, integration, and delivery of flight hardware and software systems. This also includes experience in managing technical risk, allocating resources effectively, and interfacing with senior stakeholders across government, industry, and academic partners. Competencies: Systems Engineering, Technical Management and Team Work Your application package must be in your own words. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement, or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. Please visit and review NASA's guidance on the use of super intelligence (SI) or SI-assisted tools during the application process. ### Education This position has a positive education requirement. To be eligible, you must clearly state in your resume the following: degree, major and/or minor, and college/university. A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major study in engineering, physical science, mathematics, life sciences, computer science, or other field of science is required. An official transcript will be required if you are selected. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, click here. ### Promotion Potential ES-None ### How You Will Be Evaluated All qualifications requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. We will review your resume to ensure you meet the qualification requirements. If you meet the basic qualification requirements, your application will be referred to and evaluated by an executive panel. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and/or be asked to provide a list of references or additional documents to confirm eligibility. Upon selection, if the selectee does not have Qualifications Review Board (QRB) certification by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), he/she must undergo an ECQ based structured interview with OPM before being appointed to this position. ### Benefits [View benefits details ↗](https://www.nasa.gov/careers/life-at-nasa/#Benefits) ### Who Can Apply - Current federal employees — competitive service - Current federal employees — excepted service - Senior Executive Service ### Required Documents A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may be removed from consideration for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible). Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a two (2) page resume showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the SES must include evidence of the ECQs and MTQ(s) within their resume. Please see this guidance: What to include in your resume. Note: if any of the following types of information are included on your resume, you may be disqualified: Classified or government sensitive information. Social Security Number (SSN) Photos of yourself Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc. Encrypted and digitally signed documents. If your resume contains any of the above information, you must redact that information prior to the submission of your application. VACANCY QUESTION/ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES: Responses are automatically submitted through USAJOBS when you apply to this vacancy. You may be asked to provide additional documentation to support your eligibility and the information provided in your application package. For example, we may request academic transcripts, SF-50s, SES Candidate Development Program certificate, etc. Therefore, we encourage you to have these documents prepared and ready when requested by the agency. If you fail to provide the required documents within the stated time period, we may withdraw a job offer and/or remove you from further consideration. ### How to Apply To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section and submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Follow the prompts to select your resume to be included with your application package. Your uploaded resume may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit:https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status. Faxed, emailed, and/or mailed application materials will not be accepted for this announcement. NASA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you are an applicant with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact center listed on the job vacancy announcement. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis. ### What to Expect Next Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application. If you have questions, please feel free to contact NASA Executive Staffing at Agency-Executive-Staffing@mail.nasa.gov. ### Other Information Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES. ### About the Agency Our workforce is united by a shared purpose. Join our team of engineers, scientists, program managers, and more who share a passion for exploration and a drive for excellence. ## Other open roles at NASA - [Deputy Associate Administrator for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs](https://zerogtalent.com/space-jobs/nasa/deputy-associate-administrator-for-legislative-and-intergovernmental-affairs-892105700) — Washington, District of Columbia - [Astronaut Candidate](https://zerogtalent.com/space-jobs/nasa/astronaut-candidate-891970300) — Houston, Texas - [Director Facilities and Real Estate](https://zerogtalent.com/space-jobs/nasa/director-facilities-and-real-estate-891894600) — NASA - United States Locations - [Chief Medical Officer](https://zerogtalent.com/space-jobs/nasa/chief-medical-officer-891877800) — Houston, Texas - [Lead Environmental Protection Specialist](https://zerogtalent.com/space-jobs/nasa/lead-environmental-protection-specialist-891716600) — Multiple Locations --- *Source: [Zero G Talent](https://zerogtalent.com), the job board for space, defense, AI, robotics and frontier-tech companies.*