SHARON M. MANLEY

Huntsville,AL

Summary

Senior Systems Engineer and Payload Integration Manager with 30+ years of experience supporting NASA human spaceflight programs. Proven leadership across Artemis, Human Landing System (HLS), Space Launch System (SLS), Orion, and International Space Station (ISS) payload integration. Deep expertise in systems engineering, requirements development and verification, interface control, configuration management, and cross-organizational technical leadership. Recognized for driving complex payload integration from concept through flight while coordinating multidisciplinary government and commercial teams.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Payload Integration Manager / Systems Engineer

NASA

Marshall Space Flight Center

01.2023 - Current

Lead Payload Integration Manager for EVA & Human Surface Mobility Program supporting Artemis lunar surface deployed instruments.
Coordinated payload integration across engineering, mission analysis, verification, human factors, and science teams to ensure seamless mission execution.
Led Payload Integration for HLS utilization payloads supporting Artemis III/IV planning and commercial partner coordination.
Conducted comprehensive technical reviews to ensure project alignment and standards compliance, interface management, and configuration management activities.
Led integration initiatives across multiple projects to enhance operational efficiency and mission success.
Mentored junior team members on best practices in systems integration and project management methodologies.
Facilitated clear communication among project teams, resulting in better collaboration and smoother workflows during complex integrations.

Senior Systems Engineer / Payload Integration Manager

Teledyne Brown Engineering

300 Sparkman Drive NW Huntsville, AL 35805

01.1996 - 01.2022

Led systems engineering and payload integration for ISS, Orion, SLS, and exploration programs.
Served as subject matter expert for Artemis I secondary payload integration, ensuring seamless integration and alignment with mission objectives.
Managed Microgravity Science Glovebox and Life Science Glovebox payload integration and mission operations, facilitating successful execution of scientific experiments in microgravity environments.
Developed requirements, interface control documents, verification plans, flight readiness documentation, and risk management products.
Collaborated with NASA HQ, MSFC, KSC, JSC, international partners, and industry to synchronize efforts and enhance payload integration outcomes.
Mentored junior engineers, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing within the team.
Oversaw testing and validation of complex systems, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and specifications.
Provided expert guidance on best practices in systems engineering, improving team performance and product quality.
Delivered presentations to senior management on key project milestones, providing transparency into progress toward objectives.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Mathematics, Minor in Chemistry

University of Alabama in Huntsville

301 Sparkman Drive NW Huntsville, AL 35899

Skills

Payload Integration
Requirements & Verification
Systems Engineering
Configuration Management
Risk Management
Certification of Flight Readiness

Artemis
Launch Operations
Spacecraft Systems
Mission Planning
International Collaboration
Technical Leadership

Awards

Silver Snoopy Award, STS-117 Space Flight Awareness Honoree, NASA Group Achievement Awards, Science Directorate Core Values Teamwork Award

Timeline