Manager, Fluid Systems
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a talented Fluid Systems Manager (Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering) to provide leadership and technical direction to the Fluid Systems Section. This role involves driving interdisciplinary transformative solutions for state-of-the-art projects in fluid mechanics research, merging advanced theoretical, computational, and experimental approaches to support launch, space, and reentry systems. The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) within which this section resides, is central to the ideas and data behind current and future space systems, providing innovative research and development, technical evaluations, design, assembly, integration, testing, and operational support. VSD is composed of highly trained mechanical and aerospace engineers with expertise in various vehicle engineering domains, including fluid mechanics.
Requirements
- Master’s degree from an accredited university program in aerospace, aeronautical, mechanical engineering, or related discipline.
- 8 years of combined academic research and industry experience in fluid mechanics.
- Willing to travel domestically and work off-hours as needed for launch activities.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
- U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Nice To Haves
- PhD degree in aerospace, aeronautical, mechanical engineering, or related discipline.
- Graduate-level course work in hydraulics, pneumatics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mass transfer, free-surface flows, incompressible flows, and compressible flows.
- Experience in fluid networks, liquid propulsion systems, cryogenics, and slosh analysis.
- Experience in use of experimental methods, hardware, and instrumentation.
Responsibilities
- Provide expert technical consultation and guidance to multidisciplinary teams, management, customers, and contractors on fluid-systems analysis, including tank thermodynamics, two-phase flow, and low-gravity fluid dynamics.
- Lead technical teams in identifying, analyzing, and developing mitigation strategies for complex fluid-systems challenges across booster and upper stage applications.
- Maintain cutting-edge expertise in emerging technologies and industry trends related to cryogenic propellant behavior and fluid dynamics.
- Deliver high-quality technical products through independent analysis, rigorous review of contractor deliverables, and performance assessments.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve design, analysis, and test methodologies for evaluating launch vehicle fluid systems.
- Drive innovation by identifying capability gaps and leading the development of advanced tools and analytical methods for fluid systems modeling.
- Execute full-spectrum management responsibilities including workforce planning, budget management, performance evaluations, staff assignments, and administrative oversight.
- Proactively identify and communicate technical needs, risks, findings, and recommendations to stakeholders with appropriate urgency and context.
- Ensure timely delivery of mission-critical products that directly support customer decision-making and program milestones.
- Foster collaborative partnerships with program offices, customers, and contractors through transparent communication and relationship management.
- Champion continuous learning and professional growth through strategic mentoring, constructive feedback, challenging assignments, and formal development opportunities.
- Build and sustain a high-performing team culture focused on technical excellence, innovation, and mission success.
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
