Section Manager – Mechatronics Modeling and Simulation

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

3d•Hybrid

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. Job Summary The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments. The Electromechanical Control Department (ECD) is charged with the responsibility of providing technical support in the areas of control system hardware and algorithms for both spacecraft and launch vehicles. ECD subject matter experts specialize in key components such as gyroscopes, star trackers, encoders, motors, accelerometers, reaction wheels, fast steering mirrors, servo mechanisms, GPS receivers, thrust vector control, and others . The department performs both technical studies and experimental investigations to support customer programs. Technical studies often involve the analysis, simulation, evaluation, or testing of control systems and their components. Experimental investigations may include controller design and implementation, data reduction and visualization, sensor and actuator performance evaluation, and electro-optical systems calibration and alignment . Tasks typically involve interaction with government customers, program management, and contractors. As the Section Manager of the Mechatronics Modeling and Simulation section within ECD, you will spearhead technical leadership, mentorship, and career growth for our team members. You will foster their professional development through targeted assignments, mentoring relationships, specialized training, and consistent feedback. Collaborating with the department director and section managers, you will contribute to staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and other supervisory responsibilities. Your role will also encompass guiding technical studies, simulations, analyses, and testing of electromechanical control systems to support a range of satellite and launch vehicle programs. By applying engineering principles, you will tackle multifaceted challenges, participate in strategic planning, and provide expert insights on customer projects. Work Model This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA that combines 4 to 5 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent is required
A minimum of ( 5 ) years of relevant professional or educational experience is required
Expertise in laboratory experimentation, test strategy development, experiment design, and integration and testing
Working understanding of electronics, mechanical design, control systems, inertial sensors, and actuators
Experience with spacecraft and/or launch vehicle control hardware
Track record of offering technical support in complex environments ( multi-program, multi-agency ) involving customers, program offices, engineering support, and contractors
Proven experience in training and mentoring junior technical staff
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for interactions with management, program offices, customers, contractors, and colleagues
Flexibility for up to 25% travel and availability during non-standard hours to meet customer demands
This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is to obtain a security clearance

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent is preferred
8 or more years of increasingly responsible professional experience is strongly desired
Demonstrated aptitude for innovative problem- solving to challenging technical problems
Preference would be given to candidates with significant experience in system engineering, launch vehicle systems, space vehicle control systems, space vehicle payload systems, mechanical design, additive manufacturing, structural analysis, dynamics, electronic circuit design and analysis, optics, GPS receiver testing, servo mechanism performance evaluation, small satellite development, unmanned aircraft systems, or robotics
Familiarity with launch vehicle and satellite payloads and control, their relationships to other subsystems, and to mission-level performance is desirable
Proven background in mentoring and team building
Proficiency in tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, dSPACE , LabVIEW, SolidWorks, C/C++, Python
Active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain TS/SCI access, which is issued by the U.S. government is preferred. U.S citizenship is to obtain a security clearance

Responsibilities

Lead and mentor the Mechatronics Modeling and Simulation S ection of the department , offering technical guidance and career development support for 5-7 early to mid-career engineering professionals
Elevate team members' technical competencies and contextual understanding through tailored work assignments, mentoring relationships, and training initiatives
Collaborate with department leadership to address staffing needs, conduct performance reviews, and manage supervisory tasks
Lead technical studies involving testing, modeling, simulation, and analysis of electromechanical control systems and components for satellite and launch vehicle programs
Apply engineering methodologies to a wide spectrum of problems, contributing to innovative solutions
Engage in new business endeavors and strategic planning, potentially bringing in tasks and projects from both internal and external sources
Provide oversight, counsel, and specialized expertise to customer projects, encompassing analytical studies and experimental assessments of control system hardware

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