Ashley Kincade
Maryville,TN
Summary
Accomplished professional with over 15 years of experience in the International Space Station program, demonstrating a proven track record of leadership development in response to organizational needs. Currently serving as Team Lead for the Operations Support Management team at Teledyne Brown Engineering, with expertise in project management, continuous process improvement, and fostering effective collaboration across diverse teams. A strong contributor to program and customer objectives through meticulous management of team schedules, interpersonal dynamics, and performance evaluations, alongside conducting cost analyses to enhance operational efficiency. Committed to driving efficiency and meeting program requirements while providing senior systems engineering leadership at the Payload Operations Integration Center to support critical project planning, training, and execution.
Team-oriented professional prepared to take on leadership responsibilities with focus on driving results and fostering collaboration. Proven success in managing teams, overseeing project execution, and adapting to dynamic work environments. Known for reliability, flexibility, and strong organizational skills, ensuring seamless team operations and achievement of goals.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Team Lead for the Operations Support Management Team
Teledyne Brown
07.2024 - 11.2025
- Led the Operations Support Manager team in planning and executing utilization for the International Space Station Program.
- Developed and integrated operational documentation to ensure readiness and compliance with customer constraints.
- Managed team schedules and communicated project changes to program management, fostering cross-team efficiency.
- Oversaw integration of external payloads for the International Space Station (ISS) at Marshall Space Flight Center.
- Ensured timely communication and task execution among team members to meet project deadlines.
- Elevated concerns to program management to maintain alignment with ISS program requirements.
- Developed a comprehensive understanding of operational readiness and programmatic standards.
- External Integration Team Lead (July 2024 – November 2025)
External Integration Team Lead
Genex Systems
03.2012 - 07.2024
- Oversaw integration of external payloads for the International Space Station (ISS) at Marshall Space Flight Center.
- Ensured timely communication and task execution among team members to meet project deadlines.
- Elevated concerns to program management to maintain alignment with ISS program requirements.
- Developed a comprehensive understanding of operational readiness and programmatic standards.
- Operations Support Manager (July 2021 – July 2024)
- Provided essential support to the Payload Operations Director, ensuring seamless integration of payloads for the International Space Station Program.
- Developed and evaluated operational procedures to enhance technical integration plans across all flight phases.
- Created and delivered presentations on product and increment status to senior management, facilitating informed decision-making.
- External Payload Specialist/ExPRESS Logistics Carrier Facility Operations Lead/Payload Rack Officer (March 2016 – July 2021)
- Supported integration meetings with Johnson Space Flight Center (JSC) and payload locations to ensure readiness for real-time operations.
- Developed and maintained documentation and procedures for payload operations on the International Space Station (ISS).
- Provided real-time technical support during payload installation and activation, ensuring nominal performance.
- Increment Lead/External Payload Specialist/Payload Rack Officer (May 2013 – March 2016)
- Coordinated daily planning and resource allocation for science objectives aboard the International Space Station.
- Communicated with Payload Developers to ensure safety and nominal operations of all payloads.
- Attended global meetings to align activities with international partners, focusing on Europe, Japan, and Houston, TX.
- Managed the Payload Ground Command Procedure book, maintaining and creating procedures for the Payload Rack Officer team.
- Certified Payload Rack Officer (March 2012 – May 2013)
- Maintained and operated payload racks aboard the International Space Station to ensure nominal operations.
- Troubleshot issues and coordinated with Payload Developers to meet scientific objectives and ensure astronaut safety.
- Managed communications with global teams, focusing on collaboration with counterparts in Europe, Japan, and Houston, TX.
Payload Rack Officer in Training
Johnson Service Group, Inc.
10.2010 - 03.2012
- Currently undergoing yearlong training to become a certified Payload Rack Officer.
- Responsible for maintaining and commanding payload racks aboard the International Space Station.
- Collaborate with Payload Developers to ensure science objectives are met and astronaut safety is prioritized.
- Develop skills in communication, troubleshooting, and operational command within the Payload Operations Integration Center.
Parallel Co-op Engineer Aerothermodynamics Team
Jacobs ESTS
04.2008 - 08.2010
- Conducted analysis of wind tunnel measurements and CFD results for aerothermal environments of Ares I and Ares I-X launch vehicles.
- Collaborated with a team of 11 engineers, contributing to the Thermal Environments Databook and Ares I-X Flight Data Report.
- Analyzed wind tunnel test data for small protuberances, refining prediction techniques for thermal protection.
Lead Cashier in Gift Shop
U.S. Space and Rocket Center
02.2006 - 04.2008
- Managed a team of employees to ensure efficient operations and customer satisfaction.
- Developed an organized system for tracking astronaut missions, enhancing employee access to information.
- Oversaw inventory control and merchandise dissemination, ensuring timely product availability.
- Made management decisions in the absence of supervisors, maintaining operational flow and employee adherence to schedules.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Aerospace Engineering
The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, AL07.2010
Skills
- Project Management
- Microsoft Suit (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Project, etc)
- Continuous Process Improvement
- Teamwork/Building
- Communication Efficiency
- Conflict resolution
- Attention to detail
- Customer focus
- Coaching and mentoring
- Performance monitoring
- Performance improvement
- Quality control
- Workplace safety
- Schedule management
- Process improvement
- Complaint resolution
- Operations management
- Production monitoring
- Employee evaluation
- Diversity and inclusion
- Product management
- Regulatory compliance
- Key performance indicators
- Trend tracking
- Influencing skills
- Relationship building
- Client communication
- Deadline management
- Employee training
- Task delegation
- Strategic planning
- Workflow management
- Project management
- Risk management
- Program development
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Team supervision
- People management
- Work Planning and Prioritization
Accomplishments
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop tracking spreadsheets across team.
- Supervised team of 3 plus staff members.
- Achieved product deliverables through effectively helping with with development, collaboration, and processing the products as outline by management.
- Achieved successful operations by completing preflight product development with accuracy and efficiency.
Certification
- Certified Payload Rack Officer, Genex Systems - 16 Months
- Certified Operations Support Manager, Genex Systems- 2 Months
Honors and Awards
Awarded NASA Group Achievement Award for Re-Engineering ISS Payload Operations Team (August 2016), Awarded NASA Group Achievement Honor Award to International Space Station Special Study Teams (July 2016), Awarded NASA Group Achievement Award for Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) Team, July 2013., Awarded “Undergraduate Dean’s List” 2010, at The University of Alabama in Huntsville., NASA Group Achievement Award for First Stage Preliminary Design Review, March 2008., Employee of the Month at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, December 2007., Awarded the “Excellent Customer Service Award” 2007, at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
Continuing Education
- Dale Carnegie Course: Skills for Success, November 2013.
- Behavioral Training for ISS Payload Operations Personnel, April 2011.
Awards
Awarded NASA Group Achievement Award for Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) Team
NASA Group Achievement Award for First Stage Preliminary Design Review
Awarded Group Achievement Award for Increment 35/36 Team
Employee of the Month Excellent Customer Service Award
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Team Lead for the Operations Support Management Team
Teledyne Brown
07.2024 - 11.2025
External Integration Team Lead
Genex Systems
03.2012 - 07.2024
Payload Rack Officer in Training
Johnson Service Group, Inc.
10.2010 - 03.2012
Parallel Co-op Engineer Aerothermodynamics Team
Jacobs ESTS
04.2008 - 08.2010
Lead Cashier in Gift Shop
U.S. Space and Rocket Center
02.2006 - 04.2008
Bachelor of Science - Aerospace Engineering
The University of Alabama in Huntsville