Chief, Avionic Systems Division

Serves as Chief of the Avionic Systems Division, providing technical and administrative leadership for design, development, integration, testing, operations, and sustainment of spacecraft avionics and software supporting all human spaceflight programs. Leads system engineering, software lifecycle management, and test facility development, while representing Center leadership and the Engineering Directorate across NASA on avionics initiatives.

The Chief, Avionic Systems Division is responsible for technical management of activities in the areas of electronic systems and software, including command and data handling, communications and tracking, displays and controls, instrumentation systems and data storage solutions. Leads these efforts across all human spaceflight programs. Leads the organization in the design, development, test, and evaluation of spacecraft electronic and software systems including pulse code modulation equipment, timing, signal conditioning, onboard recording, communications, and caution and warning electronics. Provides oversight and direction for the advancement of human rated avionic systems discipline for JSC and the Agency, including the management the overall systems engineering to accomplish the successful design, development, implementation, integration and operation of the spacecraft's command and instrumentation systems, data processing and software systems, and communications and, tracking systems as elements of the overall vehicle avionics. Leads the organization in the development of documentation, requirements and specifications for design, performance, and interface controls of these avionic systems. Reviews and directs the technical approach and progress toward the execution of hardware, facility development, and operational functions. Establishes and operates the necessary laboratories and test facilities for in-house conceptual development, test, and evaluation of avionics systems. Utilizes other assigned facilities and test sites for testing avionics systems culminating in verification and certification for flight readiness. Oversees and directs, as appropriate, the execution of mission-related engineering work within NASA, including establishment and implementation of stakeholder independent checks and balances needed to ensure this core mission capability is conducted proficiently, including the definition, development, implementation, integration and verification of avionics systems for space flight programs assigned to JSC. Establishes and operates simulator facilities by employing computers and simulator cockpit mockups without-the-window displays to support manned studies of spacecraft systems, avionics spacecraft hardware and software design studies, and dynamic performance tests. Integrates Division activities for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) (International Space Station, Commercial Crew Office, Commercial LEO Destinations), Orion, Human Landing Systems, Extravehicular Activity and mobility systems, and Moon Base programs, technology, and manages cost, schedule, planning, reporting for these activities. Provides administrative and technical supervision necessary to accomplish the work of the Division by directing organizational operations, establishing priorities, assigning work, and ensuring effective execution of the Division's mission and objectives.