Become the Director of Center Operations at NASA Langley
Are you a visionary leader with a passion for infrastructure, engineering, and the future of space exploration? NASA’s Langley Research Center, the birthplace of American aeronautics, is searching for a Director of the Center Operations Directorate to lead its facility and asset management strategy.
Job Responsibilities
As the Director of Center Operations, you will serve as a vital member of the Center Leadership team. Key responsibilities include:
- Institutional Asset Management: Oversee the center's real property, space utilization, and master planning.
- Facility Engineering & Maintenance: Manage complex O&M programs to ensure high-performance infrastructure.
- Strategic Planning: Align the Directorate’s goals with Langley’s broader strategy and NASA’s mission.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Direct programs including environmental services, utility management, logistics, and export control.
Requirements
You must be a U.S. citizen and possess the capacity to manage large-scale, complex programs at a GS-15 level or equivalent. Your application must include a 2-page resume that explicitly documents your Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and the Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQ).
Comparison Table: SES Requirements vs. General Roles
| Feature | Senior Executive Service (SES) | General Staff (GS-15) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Executive/Strategic | Technical/Operational |
| Performance Metric | Results & Organizational Impact | Individual/Project Success |
| Selection Process | ECQs & MTQ Assessment | Standard Competency Mapping |
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position ranges from $210,812 to $217,332 annually, commensurate with the level of executive responsibility required by the role. Benefits include extensive health coverage, a robust federal pension system, and comprehensive leave programs.
Leading the operations at Langley is a once-in-a-career opportunity to shape the environment where the future of flight is born. If you have the experience and the drive to manage NASA’s most valuable physical assets, we invite you to apply through the USAJOBS platform today.
Why This Director Center Operations Directorate Job Matters
Shape the future of aerospace exploration by leading the mission-critical infrastructure and operational strategy at NASA's historic Langley Research Center.
Director Center Operations Directorate Job Overview
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking an elite executive to serve as the Director of the Center Operations Directorate at the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. This pivotal Senior Executive Service (SES) role serves as the backbone for mission success, overseeing the integration of facility engineering, logistics, master planning, and environmental services. You will provide executive leadership to transform institutional assets, ensuring the infrastructure is capable of supporting next-generation space and aeronautics missions while maintaining operational excellence.
Requirements for Director Center Operations Directorate
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Submission of a concise 2-page resume highlighting progressively responsible supervisory and managerial experience.
- Demonstration of Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) unless currently a career SES or OPM-certified CDP graduate.
- Evidence of Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQ) regarding facility master planning and asset portfolio management.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Agreement to annual financial disclosure requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Director Center Operations Directorate
- Extensive experience in managing large-scale facility construction and maintenance programs.
- Proven track record in leveraging technology for process improvements and fiscal responsibility.
- Expertise in long-range strategic planning for real property and space utilization.
- Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and foster a high-performance culture.
- Strong background in environmental management, energy conservation, and logistics support services.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- âś“Generous retirement plans including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- âś“Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- âś“Life insurance and flexible spending accounts.
- âś“Professional development and executive training opportunities.
- âś“Work-life balance programs within a mission-driven environment.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Director Center Operations Directorate Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Director Center Operations Directorate Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a 2-page resume specifically addressing the ECQs and MTQs (if applicable).
- Log in to your USAJOBS account and initiate the application process.
- Complete the online questionnaire and attach the required 2-page resume.
- Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM (ET) deadline on the closing date.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Adhere strictly to the 2-page limit; extra pages will not be reviewed.
- Avoid plagiarism—all responses must be written in your own words based on your unique experience.
- Ensure your resume highlights your role in managing organizations of significant scope and complexity.
- Redact sensitive personal information such as Social Security Numbers or personal photos before uploading.
- Review NASA's guidance on using AI tools in your application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary function of the Center Operations Directorate?
The Directorate is responsible for the integrated management of NASA Langley’s institutional assets, including facility engineering, master planning, logistics, utilities, and energy management.
Do I need to submit a separate document for the Executive Core Qualifications?
No. The ECQs and MTQ must be integrated directly into your 2-page resume. Do not submit separate attachments for these qualifications.
Is veterans' preference applicable to this role?
No, veterans' preference does not apply to Senior Executive Service (SES) positions.
Job from Langley Research Center
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is the global leader in aerospace exploration. Langley Research Center, located in Hampton, Virginia, is home to a world-class team of scientists, researchers, and engineers working to solve the most complex challenges in aviation and space science. Working at Langley means joining an environment that values innovation, safety, and operational excellence.