Associate Director – Electro-Optical Engineering

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

47d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD! The Visible and Infrared Sensor Systems Department (VISSD) resides within MPD, and our staff supports the design and development of electro-optical (EO) sensor payloads and prototypes. Our expertise includes the following: concept definition and mission driven design synthesis of electro-optical space sensors, detailed characterization and performance analysis of visible and infrared (IR) image sensors, as well as the design, assembly, integration and test (AI&T) of ground and airborne prototype sensors. This expertise combined with additional in-house (MPD) laboratories, prototyping, performance modeling, and simulation capabilities, enables VISSD to deliver innovative solutions to our civil, commercial, and national space systems customers. We are seeking an associate director to lead the Sensor Design Synthesis and Calibration team in the department. This team includes scientists and engineers actively engaged in EO/IR system performance estimation, prototype hardware system engineering, and system calibration activities. You will provide organizational and technical leadership to the team, grow internal and external technical collaborations, and establish new business opportunities with U. S. Government, civil, and commercial customers. If you’re passionate about EO/IR sensors design and solving hard problems across a broad set of missions and customers, join our team and help shape the future of space sensing. Work Model: The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo, CA

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related field
10 years of experience with EO/IR sensor systems
Subject-matter expertise in some of the following technical areas covered by the department: detector physics, focal plane array interface development, focal plane array (or Sensor Chip Assembly) radiometric characterization, EO/IR sensor calibration, or EO/IR sensor performance modeling
Proven ability to lead projects from concept to successful delivery of customer and business objectives
Demonstrated ability to guide teams in a dynamic environment, adapting to shifting priorities, and ensuring alignment with customer needs
Commitment to maintaining a customer-focused approach, navigating challenges with creativity and collaboration, and communicating clearly and effectively across various formats and audiences.
Willingness to travel domestically approximately 10 – 15%
This position requires a current and active Top Secret/SCI clearance, which is issued by the US government.
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a STEM-related field
12+ years of experience in optical sensor system design and M&S for remote sensing applications
Prior experience managing high-performing technical teams and managers
Proven ability to grow and maintain a healthy organizational culture and foster a supportive, collaborative environment

Responsibilities

Lead a High Impact Technical Team
Provide leadership to a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing technical expertise in support of remote sensing mission areas for national security space customers.
Advance department expertise in 1) Electro-optical and Infrared sensor system design and performance modeling; 2) Support strategic growth of the technical staff and facilities related to sensor calibration 3) Support prototype hardware development staffing needs
Implement high-impact strategies that exceed customer needs, foster innovation, and deliver transformative solutions
Shape the Future of Technical Excellence
Drive the future of the department by developing top engineering talent and expanding technical capabilities to ensure the team stays ahead of advancements in anticipation of customer priority needs
Identify and capture new business opportunities that position the organization as an industry leader
Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration
Build and lead high-impact cross-functional teams, aligning expertise with project needs and driving collaborative solutions
Partner with fellow directors in the Mission Payloads Division to shape a cohesive team strategy, align technical efforts, and share best practices
Enterprise solutions teaming across ETG and our customer base
Strategically Manage Budgets
Oversee and optimize budgets to ensure efficient resource allocation, cost-effectiveness, and operational excellence
Drive Team Performance and Engagement (Establish or Build Upon a culture of Team Performance and Engagement and Co-Responsibility)
Cultivate a high-performing team by setting clear expectations, providing continuous feedback, and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect