James McMichael

Jim McMichael is a senior technical integration manager in the Commercial Crew Program’s (CCP) Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD) at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Texas. He serves as CCP’s primary technical point of contact, helping to ensure safe and effective execution of the program’s technical and schedule requirements.

McMichael’s current areas of focus include Boeing and SpaceX parachute systems, as well as Boeing crew module battery upgrades. He manages all in-flight mission anomalies and flight observations noted by either provider and works with CCP offices to identify areas where the program can invest in changes or additional testing to decrease risk to the operation of either industry partner’s spacecraft. McMichael leads a diverse organization of program, engineering, safety, human health and performance, flight operations, and contractors, while overseeing system certification and future missions.

Experience

Prior to joining CCP, he was the Extravehicular Activities (EVA) and Human Surface Mobility (HSM) Program Chief Engineer. Created in January 2022, HSM coordinated the development of new EVA spacesuits for use on the lunar surface and the replacement of spacesuits used on the International Space Station, as well as an unpressurized and pressurized rover for use on the Moon.

McMichael’s NASA career began in November 2005, when he joined the Biotechnology Division within the Engineering Directorate. During the next several years, McMichael’s roles included Orion Crew Impact Attenuation subsystem manager, vehicle system lead on the Altair Lunar Lander project, Orion Capsule Parachute Assembly System (CPAS) engineering and integration lead, CPAS project manager, and CCP Parachute Airdrop Testing project manager.

Awards

He is the recipient of the Johnson Space Center (JSC) Director’s Commendation Award, the Space Flight Awareness Award, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, and the JSC Director’s Commendation Award. McMichael also was a Stellar Award (mid-career) and Exploration Flight Test-1 Orion Launch Space Flight Awareness honoree.

Education

He earned a Bachler of Science in mechanical engineering from Penn State University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan. 

Personal

He has been married for almost 35 years to Charla, a research nurse at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. They have one son, Andrew, who is a sophomore studying psychology at Texas A&M University.

McMichael volunteers with USA Swimming and is a certified deck official and administrative official. He spends many weekends involved with swim meets and is president of the board of the USA Swimming Sharks Swim Club that competes year-round at the Friendswood High School Natatorium in Texas.

Biography last updated May 2023