Paul Sean Hill has had a distinguished career at NASA, culminating in his role as the Director of Mission Operations at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. His journey began after earning a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M University. Following his education, Hill served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, where he commanded mobile satellite communications crews and contributed significantly to military satellite operations.

In 1990, Hill joined NASA as a Space Shuttle and Space Station operations engineer. His early contributions included leading the development of assembly operations for the International Space Station (ISS) and writing initial activation procedures. His expertise was recognized as he participated in every formal ISS design review and played a pivotal role in the transition from Space Station Freedom to the ISS.

Hill’s career advanced rapidly, and he became a Flight Director in 1996, overseeing the safe execution of over twenty crewed space missions. His leadership during critical missions, including the return to flight after the Columbia disaster, showcased his ability to manage complex operations under pressure. He also participated in the NEEMO 4 expedition, simulating space conditions underwater, further enhancing his operational experience.

In 2007, Hill was appointed Director of Mission Operations, where he has been instrumental in supporting crewed space flights. His leadership has been vital in maintaining NASA’s operational capabilities, especially during the transition away from the Space Shuttle program. Hill continues to contribute to the future of space exploration, including leading assessments for the Orion spacecraft’s heat shield performance.