National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

Biography

Image Credit: NASA / Bill Ingalls

Naseem Saiyed is responsible for developing and updating the strategic direction for 

ARMD’s research portfolio. He leads PAMO’s work to support ARMD’s successful 

implementation of technical challenges that lead to solutions needed by the aviation com-

munity.

Prior to joining ARMD, Saiyed served as NASA’s Space Communication and Naviga-

tion (SCaN) program integration manager, primarily responsible for advising the deputy 

associate administrator on strategic and tactical programmatic course of action and 

identification of corrective issues during execution of the program. He was accountable 

for execution of the program planning and control function, and for the development and 

management of plans and processes to effectively manage the SCaN program. 

Previously, Saiyed was deputy director for NASA’s strategic investments division, leading 

strategic analyses and independent assessments of NASA programs and projects involving 

aeronautics, human space flight, science missions, and NASA infrastructure. To enable 

affordable exploration of space, he originated and directed the refinement of an alterna-

tive path for programmatic impacts (technical, schedule, cost and budget). NASA later 

proposed this path to the Office of Management and Budget, and began implementation 

after further studies and refinements.

Saiyed has written four issue papers on Optical Communications, the Tracking Data 

and Relay Satellite System reimbursement effort, the Integrated Lunar Network, and the 

NASA Integrated Service Network.

From 2004-2007, Saiyed was the manager of NASA’s Next Generation Launch Technol-

ogy program. His management accomplished such deliveries as the Auxiliary Propulsion 

project, the Integrated Powerhead Demo (in partnership with United States Air Force), 

the Propulsion and Technology project, the university research project, Vehicle Systems 

Research and Technology project; the Advanced Video Guidance System (in partner-

ship with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), and the Demonstration of 

Autonomous Rendezvous Technology project.

From 2002-2004, Saiyed served as a program executive, delivering science and astronaut 

utilization flight hardware to the International Space Station and providing strategic, tacti-

cal, and operational support to all NASA sponsored and non-NASA sponsored payloads 

including five international partners’ research payloads. 

From 1999-2002, Saiyed was the program implementation manager for developing 

advanced rocket technologies and engines, aircraft engines, and satellites. He developed 

Mr. Naseem H. Saiyed

Deputy Director for Strategy, Portfolio Analysis and Management Office (PAMO)

NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

Biography

detailed plans and strategy for developing different air vehicles to keep the U.S. industry 

competitive, while partnering with U.S. industry, other U.S. government agencies, and 

academia to develop strategy and implementation plans. 

Saiyed started his NASA career as the lead technologist at NASA’s Glenn Research Center. 

He led the development of aircraft noise reduction technology now offered on both longrange and regional commercial airliners. He also led the development of technologies for 

storing and transferring space-based cryogens. He authored or co-authored 17 technical 

papers, and won two NASA trophies for Turning Goals into Reality, as well as a NASA 

Exceptional Achievement Medal.

Saiyed received a master’s degree in fluid and thermal sciences from Case Western Reserve 

University in Cleveland, and a bachelor’s of science degree in mechanical engineering from 

the University of Portland.

Mr. Naseem H. Saiyed (continued)

Deputy Director, Portfolio Analysis and Management Office (PAMO)

NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD)