NASA Seeks Next Class of Flight Directors for Human Spaceflight Missions
NASA is looking for leaders for one of the best jobs on Earth for human spaceflight — including missions to the Moon — the position of flight director in mission control at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
NASA will accept applications for new flight directors through Thursday, Dec. 16. U.S. citizens can apply at:
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/625052200
Those chosen as NASA flight directors will lead human spaceflight missions to the International Space Station, upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon and, eventually, the first human missions to Mars.
Flight directors are responsible for leading teams of flight controllers, astronauts, research and engineering experts, and commercial and international partners around the world, and making the real-time decisions critical to keeping NASA astronauts safe in space.
“Human spaceflight is rapidly evolving as we enhance missions in low-Earth orbit and explore the Moon and, eventually, Mars,” said Holly Ridings, chief flight director at Johnson. “We need NASA flight directors who are technically excellent, humble, and creative to lead historic missions for humankind. This critical responsibility requires confidence and teamwork, and we are excited to begin the selection of our next class.”
To be considered, flight director candidates must be U.S. citizens with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics. They also will need substantial related, progressively responsible professional experience, including time-critical decision-making experience in high-stress, high-risk environments. Although many flight directors have previously been NASA flight controllers, it is not a prerequisite to apply.
NASA plans to announce selections in spring 2022. The new flight directors then will receive extensive training on flight control and spacecraft systems, as well as operational leadership and risk management.
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Flight Director Pooja Jesrani on console during a spacewalk to complete the second International Space Station roll-out solar array installation on June 25.
Credits: NASA/Robert Markowitz