Becky Murray

Becky Murray is the deputy director for the Engineering Directorate at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

As deputy director, she leads a multi-disciplined workforce and the activities associated with all engineering products and services for several agency programs. These include the International Space Station, Commercial Crew Program, Launch Services Program, Exploration Ground Systems, SLS (Space Launch System), Orion, Exploration Research and Technology, Human Landing System Lander Ground Operations, Deep Space Logistics, and the Construction of Facilities projects. Murray ensures engineering excellence and technical rigor are present throughout product development and in the services provided to programmatic and project customers.

Experience

Prior to her selection as deputy director, Murray served as associate director of Engineering, where she was responsible for planning, managing, implementing, directing, coordinating, and leading activities associated with engineering support for operations and development activities at Kennedy.

Murray began her career with NASA in 1992 as a co-op engineer for the Space Shuttle Program. During her 19-year tenure with the Space Shuttle Program, Murray led several teams, serving as chief of the Launch Vehicle Processing Directorate’s Ground Projects Branch and chief of the Project Engineering Integration Division. She also acted as the associate director of Launch Vehicle Processing, assisting the director with the management and oversight of all Space Shuttle Program and launch operations at Kennedy. Prior to her Space Shuttle Program leadership roles, Murray worked with the shuttle’s communications and tracking systems, hazardous gas detection systems, external tank, and solid rocket boosters.

After the successful retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Murray joined NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, where she managed Launch and Recovery Systems and helped NASA develop the next United States-led capability for crew transportation and rescue services to and from the space station, and other low Earth orbit destinations.

In 2013, Murray joined Kennedy’s Human Resources Office on a developmental assignment as deputy director. After one year in the position, she accepted the increased responsibility as the acting director of the Human Resources Office. She was responsible for developing, leading, and implementing human resources policy and services, including workforce planning, training and career development, and management services to ensure optimum utilization of the entire Kennedy workforce in accomplishing NASA’s mission.

Two years later, Murray became the deputy chief for the Exploration Systems and Operations Division in the Engineering Directorate. She was responsible for ensuring quality electrical engineering products and services were being delivered to all Kennedy programs and projects. She served as deputy chief for two years until, in 2017, she became the chief for the Technical Performance and Integration Division in the Engineering Directorate.

Awards

Murray has received several professional honors, including a NASA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Medal, NASA Exceptional Service Medal, two NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals, NASA Space Flight Awareness Leadership Award, and Kennedy Quality and Safety Achievement Recognition. She was awarded a Kennedy Equal Opportunity Award for leadership and contributions to enhance professional growth among minorities and encouraging diversity throughout the workplace. Murray was honored with her selection to participate in the Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program. Most recently, Murray was recognized with the Presidential Rank Award.

Education/Personal

Murray is a Florida native, growing up along the Space Coast and graduating from Eau Gallie High School in Melbourne. Murray earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Central Florida and is a second-generation NASA-Kennedy employee. She lives in Melbourne with her family.

Biography last updated August 2024