Associate Director - Communications and Signal Analysis Department

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.

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration.   With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions.  Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

The Communications and Signal Analysis Department (CSAD) at The Aerospace Corporation performs analysis, modeling, simulation and prototyping in the areas of satellite microwave and laser communications, signal processing, microwave photonics, emitter geolocation and signal collection systems and techniques.  The Associate Director assists and complements the Director in the leadership, planning, and direction of technical staff and operations for CSAD. This position is 100% onsite full-time in Chantilly, VA. CSAD is a component of the Communication Systems and Agile Processing Subdivision within the Mission Payloads Division.  The department primarily supports the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), with additional customers from the U.S. Space Force, Civil agencies and other US government customers. CSAD aids our customers in developing and acquiring innovative systems in the areas of communications, signal interception, and signal processing for both space and terrestrial applications.  

This position is 100% on-site in Chantilly, VA with little to no teleworking available, due to the classified nature of the work we perform.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Sustain and grow CSAD’s SIGINT Data Lab capabilities and utilization by NSG customers

• Manage a growing team of direct reports, and engage with staff, management, customers, and support organizations (EIS, security)

• Lead the department’s efforts in the areas of signal processing, signal characterization, and RF collection and analysis

• Lead the department’s efforts in unique waveform development, testing and characterization

• Work with management to establish the organization's objectives, structure, staff, and resources

• Participate in budget planning and allocation of resources

• Report organization's activities, progress, and achievements through written and oral reports to management, staff, and customers

• Seek and identify opportunities for new business and growth opportunities

• Recruit, hire and mentor staff to meet customer demand and organizational objectives

• Conduct staff performance reviews and recommend performance improvement, career development, salary and promotion actions

• Assign and coordinate work within the department and ensure the technical quality of customer deliverables

• Monitor and direct organization's security processes, compliance, and safety awareness

• Plan and manage department research activities

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university in Electrical Engineering or related discipline 

• Minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible engineering experience in satellite communication systems and signal processing, including a minimum of 3 years people management experience

• Strong technical leadership skills with demonstrated project management experience

• Extensive experience in the areas of signal collection and signal processing

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with corporate, customer, and contractor management and staff including various Aerospace and US government space program offices

• Established track record of relationship building and maintaining strong relationships with support organizations, particularly EIS and security

• Ability to communicate effectively, both with customers and peers, via conversations, email, and presentations

• Experience in successful team building and leadership including effective mentorship, career development, and interpersonal skills

• Ability to travel as needed, typically once per quarter

• Active Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance (US Citizenship required)

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in electrical engineering or related field from an accredited university

• Strong expertise across the CSAD core technical specialties of communications, signal processing and characterization, RF collection and analysis, emitter geolocation, waveform development and testing, and modeling and simulation.

• Knowledge of NRO programs especially regarding communications and signal interception systems

• Aerospace line management experience

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• 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

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.