Section Manager, Space Vehicle Concept Design

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

23h•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 Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a wide-ranging and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space-enabled mission effects. Vehicle Ground Concepts Department Description The Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD) in EED provides space vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design; trade and architecture analysis, modeling, process development and leadership expertise; and tool development in support of conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. As a member of VGCD, you will be designing innovative spacecraft and ground segment solutions to meet the most pressing mission needs of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers. Work Model This position will follow an in-person work model in one of Aerospace’s campuses in Chantilly, VA, Colorado Springs, CO, or El Segundo, CA.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in a relevant engineering or science discipline.
6+ years of relevant experience working on multi-disciplinary engineering teams with a focus on spacecraft or ground segment design
A strong knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and system engineering; some knowledge of ground segment concepts
Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and demonstrate initiative under pressure
Excellent interpersonal and communications skills and ability to excel in a collaborative environment; proficiency with office and collaboration tools, such as MS Office.
Demonstrated experience in concurrent engineering tools, processes, and methodologies
Demonstrated ability to work independently and conduct long-term technical studies for geographically dispersed programs
Ability to develop project plans, manage delivery commitments, and generate and present deliverables to Aerospace management and program offices and customers
Ability to assemble and lead multi-disciplinary teams and to scope work for often vague problem statements
Ability to communicate technical information to various levels and types of stakeholders
Occasional domestic travel
Current or active TS/SSBI and ability to maintain a TS/SCI clearance.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) from an accredited program in engineering or relevant engineering discipline
Strong, demonstrated personal initiative
Familiarity with concurrent engineering tools, processes, and methodologies
Knowledge of space system requirements and how to turn them into concept designs
Familiarity with payloads, ground systems, launch systems, missile systems, and/or aircraft systems
Proficiency in commercial simulation tools/programming languages, including one or more of: MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, SolidWorks
Strong, demonstrated personal initiative to seek out work, establish relationships throughout organizations, and identify and correct issues as they arise.
Experience with the Intelligence Community, DoD, and other common Aerospace customers.

Responsibilities

Leading early-stage design studies for spacecraft concepts; types of studies can include both small, individual efforts as well as larger, multidisciplinary teams of subject matter experts.
Serving as a subject matter expert in spacecraft-level systems engineering to support execution of customer programs, including during design reviews and other milestones.
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
Leading the development of capabilities utilizing AI in the concept development of spacecraft or spacecraft ground systems.
Leading continuous development, maintenance, and improvement of the tools and models that are used during spacecraft concept design and analysis activities.
Establishing strong working relationships with government, program office, and contractor personnel as well as other members of Aerospace’s engineering group.
Work with the Enterprise Design Subdivision (EDS) management team to find organizational collaboration opportunities for EDS customers
Mentoring members of the department

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