Systems Director - Launch Systems Engineering

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

2d•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. The Systems Director for the Launch Systems Engineering Department will support the Space Access program, formally Assured Access to Space (AATS), in all areas of launch acquisition, architecture, mission assurance, systems engineering, digital transformation, and coordination with senior Space Force, NRO, and DoD leadership. The Systems Director will provide dual support for the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program and the Space Access, Mobility, and Logistics (SML) program. This role requires working closely with the AATS/S5 (Engineering), AATS/AL (Space Access, Mobility, and Logistics), AATS/AM (Mission Solutions), and AATS/Systems Delta 80 (Launch Execution) organizations. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

Requirements

B.S. in Engineering or related STEM/technical field of study
12 or more years of applicable experience in launch vehicle development and mission assurance, systems analysis, and launch operations
Familiarity with NSSL vehicle families (Falcon 9/Heavy, Vulcan, New Glenn, Nova, and Neutron) and DoD/NRO spacecraft requirements and processes
Experience working with SSC, launch service contractors, and across Aerospace
Demonstrated technical reputation and a track record of technical and managerial achievement and balancing technical details and broader programmatic issues
Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize tasks
Outstanding oral and written communication skills. Experience briefing technical material to management and customers
Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced program office environment; an ability to adapt quickly to change and take initiative under pressure
Demonstrated ability to effectively build teams and establish strong working relationships with management, peers, subordinates, customers and contractors
This position requires a current DoD Secret clearance with ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Nice To Haves

Current and active TS/SCI security clearance, issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Significant familiarity with NSSL vehicle families (Falcon 9/Heavy, Vulcan, New Glenn, Nova, and Neutron) and DoD/NRO spacecraft requirements and processes
Extensive knowledge of mission assurance standards, DoD systems engineering, and NSSL program requirements
Master’s or PhD degree in engineering, science or equivalent
Ability to support travel, as needed

Responsibilities

Act as the primary interface with the Space Force Director of Engineering of the Space Access program and provide technical and programmatic leadership for the Launch Systems Engineering team
Provide technical and programmatic leadership to the Space Access, Mobility, and Logistics (SML) program office and for the SML prototype demonstration efforts
Develop and maintain NSSL command media, mission assurance standards, and program requirements based on technical analyses and lessons learned
Manage the launch verification and systems engineering processes and develop/maintain the associated tools
Implement NSSL Phase 3 Tiered Mission Assurance framework and provide technical support for the Lane 1 Launch System Technical Insight effort
Support RFP developments, industry engagements, and source selection advisory

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