Chief Engineer - Defense Space Acquisition

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

1d•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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems. Defense Space Acquisition (DSA) Operation leads the corporation’s efforts in space and ground acquisition support to Space Systems Command to outpace the threat design, development, and operations of game-changing warfighting capabilities. We further look to strengthen the corporation’s ability to integrate across the many customer organizations to enable our nation’s preeminent space enterprise. Defense Systems Acquisition (DSA) organization serves as the technical and programmatic advisor to the United States Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) for acquiring, developing, and fielding capabilities for the United States Space Command and joint warfighter as well as to maintain America’s comprehensive military advantage in space. As the DSA Chief Engineer, you will lead Aerospace’s cross divisional work in identifying critical needs in working to make the operation successful, to bring to bear relevant and emerging technical approaches and strategies that will maximize acquisition outcomes for our broad range of customers. You will work closely with senior USSF customers, contractors, Aerospace staff and management, and subject matter experts to identify and address mission needs and follow through on opportunities to maintain cost, schedule, and performance. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate technical discipline from a recognized institution
15 or more years of progressively responsible experience in an appropriate discipline – track record of outstanding accomplishments
Superior communication skills, both verbal and written with an ability to work with entry level staff to seniors in the Space Force and the industrial base and all levels in between
Proven ability to prepare and present effective presentations to all levels of audiences, within DSG and other Aerospace organizations
Ability to effectively engage a diverse technical organization's SMEs and close on complicated technical issues with credible rationale and supporting documentation
Capacity to team and collaborate with DSG leadership and project engineers across the corporation
Capability to synthesize complex information from several sources simultaneously
Aptitude to create teams across the group, and influence actions in multiple program lines
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance, which is issued by the US government.
U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
AI enabled skills
Current and Active Top Secret/SCI clearance, issued by the US Government.
SAP highly desirable

Nice To Haves

Advanced relevant degree
Diverse background across multiple disciplines such as systems engineering, software engineering, acquisition lifecycle activities
Successful experience supporting a space and launch programs
Proficiency in understanding and executing various Aerospace Mission Assurance process
Ability to create teams across the group, and influence actions in multiple program lines
SAP Clearance

Responsibilities

Lead the identification and coordination of common technical approaches and positions across the enterprise for the space segment
Strengthen the commercial first approach to our offerings
Lead the evolution of SPO mission assurance practices for greater efficiency, effectiveness, and agility.
Coordinate with launch, ground and other space segment efforts across the corporation, as well as Engineering Technology Group (ETG) and Corporate Chief Engineer's Office (CCEO) to ensure identification and promulgation of best practices
Identify and champion opportunities to promote enterprise integration and interoperability such as data standards across all domains, and increased commonality and principles of CPA
Monitoring and guiding the successful deployment of digital engineering solutions for acquisitions
Identify the need for and lead cross programs teams in multiple functional areas
Recommend and guide the DSA/DSG internal investments to position the organization to meet strategic goals
Champion and guide the workforce transition from traditional waterfall acquisitions to agile methods, and DevSecOps approaches for both software and hardware
Represent the organization’s interests to the prime contractor industrial base and influence the community to meet emerging customer needs
Lead engagements in Aerospace technical community outreach events, via paper presentation and panel participation
Mentor more junior personnel, identifying growth opportunities and providing coaching

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