Communication Strategist II (Industrial Design/Outreach)
PCI Federal · Houston, TX · hybrid
We are seeking an organized, creative, and motivated Industrial Designer to support the Exhibits, Events, and Outreach teams at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. This unique hybrid position is ideal for a designer who thrives at the intersection of exhibit design, fabrication, event coordination, and public engagement.
Unlike traditional design roles on the Exhibits team, this position will be physically embedded with the Engagement Division working directly alongside civil servants and contractor outreach staff for approximately 50% of the time, while still supporting the core Exhibits and Events service line.
This role offers hands-on design experience, fabrication coordination, and direct involvement in NASA public engagement efforts—including community outreach events, education initiatives, and high‑visibility JSC missions.
Key Responsibilities
Exhibit & Event Design (50%)
- Develop exhibit and event concepts that support NASA outreach, education, and public engagement initiatives.
- Create CAD models, renderings, and visual presentations to communicate design ideas, layouts, and event configurations.
- Prepare design documentation including fabrication drawings, layouts, material specifications, and engineering notes.
- Support installation planning, fabrication coordination, and logistics for both small‑scale and large‑scale exhibit builds.
- Participate in hands‑on setup of exhibits and events, including moving materials, assembling structures, and operating equipment.
- Collaborate with the NCS Exhibits team, project managers, and NASA stakeholders to ensure safe, efficient, and high‑quality execution.
- Champion safety and quality control standards during installation and fabrication.
Outreach & Engagement Support (50%)
Embedded with the JSC Engagement team, this designer will:
- Work directly with NASA civil servants and contractor outreach staff to develop concepts for community engagement, STEM outreach, public events, and high‑visibility NASA activations.
- Create visual concepts, small exhibit pieces, hands‑on demo elements, and event layouts tailored for STEM audiences, school programs, VIP engagements, and NASA public diplomacy efforts.
- Assist in planning and executing outreach events, including event flow, signage, portable exhibit components, and hands‑on educational experiences.
- Coordinate with Engagement Division staff to translate mission priorities into visually compelling and accessible public‑facing materials.
- Provide design and logistics support for traveling outreach assets, pop‑up exhibits, and community‑based NASA engagements.
- Participate in on‑site outreach activities, interacting with the public and ensuring NASA’s brand and messaging standards are reflected in all work.
Client & Team Interaction
- Engage with clients, NASA managers, outreach leads, and team supervisors to manage expectations, maintain quality, and ensure alignment with mission goals.
- Facilitate regular communication between the Exhibits team (B421) and the Engagement Division (Bldg. 2N) to keep stakeholders informed.
- Serve as a design liaison between Exhibits and Outreach—helping unify efforts across divisions.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or closely related field from an accredited institution.
- Five (5) years of relevant experience
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365, SolidWorks, KeyShot Studio, and Adobe Creative Cloud.
- Strong communication skills and collaborative work style.
- Ability to manage competing deadlines and organize multiple tasks effectively.
- Willingness to engage in hands‑on installation tasks, heavy lifting, ladder use, moving materials, etc.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs.
- Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays, as required for events.
Preferred
- Prior experience working with NASA or federal agencies.
- Experience supporting public engagement, community outreach, or STEM education events.
- Familiarity with exhibit systems such as Aluvision
- Experience creating or working with portable outreach exhibits and hands‑on educational displays.
- Comfort working in both design studio and public‑facing environments.
- Experience coordinating with facilities, safety teams, or event operations groups.
Physical Requirements
- The physical demands described herein are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of the job:
- Ability to work in office, shop, or event environments.
- Ability to drive to various NASA or partner facilities.
- Must be able to stand, walk, kneel, stoop, climb, balance, reach, push, and pull as needed.
- Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Must be able to use ladders, pallet jacks, and event‑related equipment.
Equal Opportunity Statement
PCI Productions LLC is an equal opportunity employer. PCIP does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, identity, veteran status, or disability.
Preference may be extended to qualified Native American Indian candidates in accordance with applicable federal law.