Technology Portfolio Lead

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. Job Description Enterprise Lab (eLab) is an organization in the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO), managing key investment portfolios and shaping internal research efforts through situational awareness and strategy integration. eLab has three primary functions: (1) guide technical investment strategies and priorities; (2) manage and evolve the Aerospace Technical Investments Program (ATIP), Technical and Strategic Investment Priorities (TSIP), Ventures, and University Partnership portfolios; and (3) increase situational awareness and outreach to understand customer needs, the external environment, and internal Aerospace capabilities. The ATIP portfolio focuses on core areas of research and development in support of our customers in the near-term (1 – 5 years). The TSIP portfolio reflects our corporation’s top priorities to meet current and emerging customer needs and to advance our capabilities. The Technical Portfolio Lead (Engineering Specialist - Engineering Program Management) in eLab will serve as the technical manager of one or more eLab internal investment portfolios. These portfolios are designed to promote ideation or low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) project development to address critical corporate or space enterprise problems. The Technical Portfolio Lead will work alongside other eLab staff, project leaders, scientists, engineers, and managers throughout the company to provide an avenue for innovative solutions to our customers’ hardest problems. The Technical Portfolio Lead will have primary responsibility for portfolio oversight and direction, high-level understanding of the projects in execution within the portfolios, communicating the merits of the projects to management, and leveraging corporate and customer needs to shape future investments. This is a full time, onsite position in Chantilly, VA., or El Segundo, CA.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM subject area
Eight or more years of applicable professional or educational experience
Direct experience conducting and managing R&D portfolios
Experience with project, program, or portfolio management and in managing project schedules
Proven business and financial acumen, and experience in managing dynamic budgets and project allocations
Ability to translate detailed technical information to relatable material for a broader audience
Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)
Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. Government.
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent
Experience with Aerospace core functions, FFRDC operations, and company business processes
Direct experience in creating R&D agreements with U.S. Government, academic, and/or commercial organizations

Responsibilities

Provide operational management to multi-million dollar internal investments portfolios, ensuring organizational strategies are well formulated, selected projects are aligned with strategy, and deliverables meThist expectations
Work in partnership with technical managers and program office advisors to ensure Ventures and University Partnership portfolio investments address customer needs
Work with the eLab management team to define portfolio strategy, lines of effort, and performance measurement metrics
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports of portfolio performance for eLab, OCTO, and corporate management
Coordinate marketing and messaging of portfolio highlights for internal and external audiences
Mentor staff to adopt and implement situational awareness and collaboration techniques to ensure research is properly scoped and informed relative to the internal/external landscape and customer needs

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