Section Manager, Thermal Systems Engineering

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 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; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments. 

We are seeking a Section Manager, Thermal Systems Engineering (Manager - Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering) to lead the Thermal Systems Engineering (TSE) Section in the Thermal Control Department (TCD). The mission of the Thermal Control Department is to develop, apply, and communicate thermal engineering expertise for spacecraft, payloads, and related systems to inform and enable key customer decisions. 

The Thermal Systems Engineering Section provides spacecraft thermal engineering expertise at the system level through all phases of a program life cycle, interacting with other disciplines and deep-dive tasks to ensure that system performance requirements and objectives are met.

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Lead and manage the Thermal Systems Engineering section, which is responsible for guiding requirements, allocations, top-level architecture, validation & verification, integration & test, risk identification and mitigation, anomaly support, and flight monitoring for the thermal control subsystem of spacecraft and payloads

• Plan and manage the training, development, and daily tasking of a team of 4-7 engineers. This includes: hiring and training staff, conducting performance reviews, optimizing employee productivity, and promoting professional growth

• Ensure the relevance, quality, and integrity of the technical products generated by the section, while meeting schedule and budget requirements

• Enhance the section’s technical capabilities by developing or adopting new analytical or laboratory tools and improving knowledge management within the organization

• Identify and encourage research and development activities

• Increase support and influence with existing and new customers and facilitating interaction and teamwork between section staff, department staff, and across Aerospace

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or closely related field with emphasis in heat transfer or thermal sciences

• 5+ years thermal engineering experience

• Experience with the design, manufacturing, and testing of spaceflight thermal control systems for all relevant modes of heat transfer, both active and passive, and through all phases of program lifecycle

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out 

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

• Advanced degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or closely related field

• Proficiency with Thermal Desktop and/or SINDA/FLUINT

• Hands on experience leading integrated-team thermal engineering efforts: innovation projects, concurrent engineering, digital engineering, vehicle-level thermal design, hosted or multiple-payload missions, anomaly and root-cause investigation

• Deep knowledge of thermodynamics, cryogenics, and two-phase thermophysics

• Experience in adjacent engineering disciplines for spaceflight hardware: systems engineering, control systems, fluid or propulsion systems, power systems, flight software and telemetry systems, integration and test

• An active Secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. 

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.