The document discusses NASA's chief engineer (CE) hierarchy and proposes recommendations to improve its effectiveness. The CE hierarchy has a vertical structure but the program chief engineer (Pg CE) position is uniquely placed to contribute value by integrating the technical authority chain. Recommendations include having the Pg CE provide independent technical assessments to higher levels, regularly interface with different CE roles, and act as an integrator of technical information up and down the hierarchy through both vertical and horizontal relationships. Adapting the Pg CE role to be more flexible and responsive could help balance the vertical and horizontal aspects of the overall CE structure.

1. Ninth Annual NASA PM Challenge 2012 Bryan Barley, NASA HQ/MSFC Leveraging NASA’s Chief Engineer Hierarchy Vertically and Horizontally-derived Technical Authority Value

5. Project Management and CE Hierarchy Two Lines of Authority: Programmatic and Technical Non-official representation of NASA’s CE/TA

7. CE Hierarchy and Responsibilities Range of Organizational Responsibility Dominant Horizontal Differentiation (Grouping of Tasks) Vertical Differentiation (Distribution of Authority) HQ Mission Directorate CE is a MILE-wide and an inch-deep Project CE is a MILE-deep and project focused Implementing Center CE has range of projects & programs Program CE independently oversees program’s projects Technical Authority flows from the Administrator through the Associate Administrator to the Deputy Associate Administrator to the Agency Chief Engineer and to the Mission Directorate Chief Engineers and Center Directors. Center Directors are responsible for selecting individuals for Center Chief Engineer and Program Chief Engineers, with approval of NASA HQ. Deputy AA HQ/MD CE NASA CE Pg CE Center CE CE/LSE Project C CE/LSE Project B CE/LSE Project A CE/LSE Project D CE/LSE Project E