Joel Kearns has been named deputy director of the Space Flight Systems Directorate at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, effective Dec. 30.
In his new position, Kearns has management oversight of crosscutting functions and, as assigned by the Director of Space Flight Systems, authority in project planning and activities that produce the best results in terms of quality, efficiency, economy and timeliness. He will also have authority of the overall management of a variety of current and future programs and projects spanning all NASA space mission directorates.
“Joel brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this position,” said Center Director Jim Free. “With his varied background, he is well-positioned to tackle the wide range of challenges involved in managing our Space Flight Systems portfolio.”
Kearns began his NASA career at NASA Headquarters in Washington in 1988 and served in various project management roles at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala. from 1995 to 1999 and Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif. from 2005 to 2006.
His most recent position was Vice President and Director of Solar Wafer Research and Development at SunEdison (formerly MEMC Electronic Materials), St. Peters, Mo.
From 1999 to 2005, he was vice president for Engineering and Technology at SUMCO U.S.A., Salem, Ore., the world’s second largest manufacturer of silicon wafers for microelectronics.
From 2006 to 2010, Kearns managed Space Shuttle Transition and Retirement at NASA Headquarters in the Space Operations Mission Directorate.
Mr. Kearns earned his bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in mechanical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He continues to work on his doctorate in materials science and engineering at the same school.
He has received numerous awards including the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Senior Executive. Kearns also holds four patents on crystal growth technology.
