Bryan K. Smith

Bryan K. Smith is director of Facilities, Test, and Center Operations at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. In this capacity, Smith is responsible for transformation of facility infrastructure as well as modernization and operation of all test facilities at Glenn’s Lewis Field campus.

Prior to this appointment, Smith served as director of Space Flight Systems from 2011 through 2020. In that role, he was responsible for the space missions assigned to the center, with an annual budget of approximately $425 million. He oversaw formulation and execution of space projects including the Power and Propulsion Element, the Orion European Service Module, and other technology efforts in power, propulsion, communications, and materials.

Smith has served in several leadership positions at NASA, including chief of Glenn’s Systems Engineering and Analysis Division and chief engineer for the NASA Engineering and Safety Center, which provides analysis of NASA’s high-risk projects.

He also completed a two-year program executive assignment at NASA Headquarters in Washington before returning to Glenn to serve assignments as chief of the Space Transportation Project Office, chief of the Nuclear Technology and Demonstration Project Office, and chief of Glenn’s Crew Exploration Vehicle Project Office.

Smith began his career in 1983 at Rockwell International as a manufacturing system engineer and later worked as a production supervisor of military aircraft. He joined Glenn in 1987, supporting the development of the International Space Station’s power system and then serving as a launch vehicle mission manager.

Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial and systems engineering from Ohio University, a master’s degree in industrial engineering from Cleveland State University, a master’s degree in engineering and management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a certificate in legislative studies from Georgetown University. He is the recipient of numerous NASA awards including the Significant Achievement Medal, the Exceptional Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, and the prestigious Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Executives.