1. Project Engineering JM Facilities Operations Division
Timothy Hennig
Project Engineer Intern Johnson Space Center
Western Kentucky University
Johnson Space Center, Houston TX. 77058
July 10, 2012
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2. Abstract
While working for the Center Operations Directorate at JSC, my mechanical engineering abilities were used to assist senior
project engineers in overseeing facility construction and maintenance projects within the 200, 300, 400 area buildings at JSC
as well as those facilities at Ellington Field and the Sonny Carter Training Facility. My job duties include working with
customers to gather facility design requirements, working with the design engineering team to develop a design that meets
customer requirements, safety standards, and supporting NASA’s long-term vision. By using the Work Authorization
Database (WAD), and experience that I gained in the field, I am an integral part of the project from its initiation to its closure.
Skills that I am developing during this internship are customer relations, overseeing the contractors, project management, and
effective communication.
Nomenclature
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act
COD Center Operations Directorate
CSC Computer Science Company
FMOD Facilities Maintenance Operations Division
JSC Johnson Space Center
SATERN System for Administration Training and Educational Resources
SCTF Sonny Carter Training Facility
WAD Work Authorized Database
WAM Work Authorized Manager
Introduction
My project for this internship involved assisting engineers and contractors with facility construction projects. Responsibilities
included the roles of the customer, the technical representative, and the project manager. The role of customer provides me with the
opportunity to learn JSC’s facility tracking database, the WAD. The role of technical representative enables me to use my past
construction knowledge to advise engineers with technical information. As the project manager I am an integral part of the project
from its initiation to its closure.
The Center Operations Directorate (COD) provides facilities, utilities, logistics, security, travel and environmental services necessary
for the successful operation of JSC that help make NASA’s mission a success. The Facilities and Management Operations Division
(FMOD) provides quality maintenance and construction services to JSC. This responsibility includes design, construction, activation,
maintenance, and operations of JSC facilities and infrastructure.(1) FMOD also performs configuration control for site facilities and
infrastructure, including management of as-build drawings and the application of facility design, construction standards and Work
Authorization Database (WAD) tool. FMOD helps with the mission by overseeing all facilities on site as well as the Sonny Carter
Neutral Buoyancy Lab and Ellington Field. FMOD is also responsible for the operations of all utilities and control of JSC’s
infrastructure.
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3. Job Highlights
This semester I was assigned the role of Project Manager for construction WAD 48846. The justification for this project was due to a
recent suggestion by a facility manager, to make ADA upgrades for one of his employees. During an evaluation it was discovered that
conditions were not acceptable to meet ADA guidelines.
On February 16, I initiated a WAD that met ADA requirements set forth by the Department of Justice. Once created in the system
designers developed a scope to build ramps in place of stairs and upgrade a unisex restroom. Currently construction is underway and
will be completed by the end of July 2012.
JSC has three ponds located in its mall area which cover 1.3 acres. The mall area is a tree covered location in the main part of the
campus. Its serene setting is home to several species of birds and fish as well as an area for employees to enjoy. In the past the ponds
were supplied with a gravity fed system. Pond #1 would be filled then the overflow would go downstream to pond #2. Pond #2 would
drain into pond #3 at which pond #3’s overflow would drain into the storm sewer. In theory this is a normal practice but due to
evaporation and poor drainage pond #1’s water wouldn’t fully make it to pond #3.
Recently a circulation loop was installed from the lower pond to the upper. This is in accordance with the site’s Green Water
Conservation Program. Any excess water generated by the loop will feed the mall area’s primary irrigation system. Potable water has
been greatly reduced as only a small amount is needed to keep the correct level of pond #1. (3)
As a part of FMOD we are responsible for maintaining the operation of the pond project through our contractor CSC. The ponds are
checked weekly for proper depth and drainage. Recently an issue has been brought to our attention by the Director of Center
Operations. The circulation pump at pond #3 needs to be obscured from view. We are currently gathering ideas for relocating this
piping. In the meantime plantings will cover the pump.
Conclusion
My experience at JSC has given me effective project management skills that I can use for future employers. I have learned through on
the job training as well as in the classroom. NASA has a system of educational resources called SATERN. There you can sign up for
classes not only related to your job but to NASA’s mission. Some are taught online while others are in person. I have taken several
mechanical engineering and project management classes. A daily email is sent out about trainings and lectures that may be of interest
to the employees able to attend. Being a part of the internship also means getting to see and do things that the public cannot. Taking
tours of the many buildings that train for space flight was an interest to everybody. Meeting the Robonaut and seeing the many
training aircraft at Ellington Field was a nice experience.
Another benefit to being an intern is being part of the co-op social server. This allows the person to meet with other interns and co-
ops outside of the workplace. There are plenty of social functions and tours to attend so you stay busy. Also on site is the Gilruth
Center which is a full service gym. From weight training to cardio classes there are plenty of physical activities for every intern to
enjoy.
My experience in Houston has been one of enjoyment. Learning about the history in the area and enjoying fine food has been my
major highlight. There is always something to do here, from Galveston Beach to numerous activities downtown. I have appreciated the
mentoring of my colleagues and the comradery of my fellow interns. I look forward everyday coming to work and helping NASA JSC
to achieve its mission.
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4. References:
(1) Ahmed El-Rasheedy(2009), Retrieved April 10, 2012 from Center Ops Home, JSC Home,
http://www.6.jsc.nasa.gov/ja/mission.cfm
(2) Denovo Global Technologies(2010), NASA Johnson Space Center CSC RFQ WAD 47056 Mall Pond Closed Filtration
System, Project#5215.01
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