Marvin W. Barnes
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
2025 fellow
Marvin W. Barnes is Chief of the Propulsion Research and Development Branch at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). In this role, Mr. Barnes oversees the research and development activities of a team of scientists and engineers, while managing the Propulsion Research and Development Laboratory at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Mr. Barnes’ leadership is pivotal in advancing propulsion technologies, including cutting-edge work in nuclear propulsion, nuclear materials development, and in-space propulsion.
As a White House Leadership Development Fellow, Mr. Barnes will contribute to the Office of Management and Budget, specifically within the Office of Performance and Personnel Management on the Performance Team. This position involves supporting transition implementation, spearheading reform efforts, and helping shape the new President’s Management Agenda. This agenda is crucial for guiding government efforts to deliver impactful results to the American people.
With a proven track record as a servant leader, Mr. Barnes excels in managing complex technical projects and leading multidisciplinary engineering teams to successful outcomes. Mr. Barnes has held leadership roles in systems, materials, and propulsion engineering organizations. Mr. Barnes’ branch developed propulsion hardware that flew on a lunar mission in December 2022. His expertise spans a range of propulsion technologies where he has effectively handled conflicts, navigated programmatic risks, and adhered to budget and schedule constraints, while delivering engineering products. Known for creating collaborative environments, Mr. Barnes fosters innovation and excellence within his teams.
Mr. Barnes holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Materials Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a Master of Materials Science and Engineering from North Carolina State University.
Outside of his professional life, Mr. Barnes is an enthusiastic hobbyist with a passion for building and creating. He enjoys woodworking, wood turning, and engine rebuilding. Additionally, he finds joy in bike riding with his wife and three kids, smoking meats, playing guitar, and juggling to impress his kids, reflecting his diverse interests and creative spirit.
