Associate Director, Vehicle and Ground Implementation Department

The Aerospace Corporation • El Segundo, CA

7d • 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. The Systems Engineering Division (SED) drives improved acquisition decisions, ensures systems are available when and where needed, and system capabilities integrate, and work as needed. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a wide-ranging and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. SED spans the acquisition lifecycle from development to operations. As part of the System Realization Subdivision (SRS) within SED, the Vehicle and Ground Implementation Department (VGID) provides development, assessment, and closure of vehicle designs, with emphasis on working with industry partners after contract award. As the Associate Director Vehicle and Ground Implementation Department (Associate Director - Systems Engineering) of this department, you will be supporting the acquisition of the next generation of innovative spacecraft systems to solve the most challenging problems of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers. Work Model This is a full-time position based in either El Segundo, CA, or Chantilly, VA which requires 1000% onsite work.

Requirements

• Associate Director - Systems Engineering
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering discipline, science, or a related field
• 10 years of relevant and increasing responsibility of space systems design experience
• Demonstrated experience working and interacting with program offices
• Experience in hiring, managing, and mentoring staff
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, manage multiple concurrent projects, lead multi-disciplinary teams, and demonstrate initiative under pressure
• Ability to develop project plans, manage delivery commitments, and generate and present deliverables to Aerospace management and program offices and customers
• Strong people management, interpersonal, and communications skills and ability to work effectively with customers, Aerospace program offices, and contractors
• Available to travel domestically
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in related field
• Superior knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and system engineering topics
• Demonstrated ability to work on a wide variety of spacecraft systems engineering tasks from concept development to launch
• Significant experience with Intelligence Community and/or Department of Defense systems engineering and programmatic processes, methods, tools, and personnel
• Significant demonstrated experience working and interacting with multiple program offices
• Strong, demonstrated personal initiative
• Experience with flight programs across defense and commercial sectors
• Familiarity with payloads, ground systems, launch systems, missile systems, and/or aircraft systems
• Experience in developing, leading, and working on multi-disciplinary engineering teams

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director in managing VGID staff located in Chantilly, VA; Albuquerque, NM; and El Segundo, CA working varied and disparate problems
• Conduct staff performance reviews and other personnel management functions such as managing team resources and needs, providing career development and mentoring, and recommending personnel staffing requests (hiring, promoting)
• Pursue opportunities for additional, expanded, and new tasking for staff and identify appropriate personnel to perform the work
• Lead and participate in design studies of space systems, to include multi-disciplinary engineering teams
• Provide vehicle systems engineering support expertise to Aerospace program offices as a technical subject matter expert and project leader
• Participate in strategic planning to help guide the direction of the Department and Subdivision, and seek, identify, and pursue opportunities for additional, expanded, and new business
• Work with SRS management team to find organizational collaboration opportunities for SRS customers
• Advance prototyping portfolio in support of numerous customers

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
• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director