Space Systems Acquisition Director

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 National Systems Group (NSG) serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

Within NSG, Electronic Programs Division (EPD)’s Directorate E is looking for a Systems Director to lead Aerospace’s support to two government program offices: 1) engaged in multiple exciting major systems acquisitions being executed with tailored, agile acquisition approaches, and risk profiles, and 2) leading technology maturation critical to the success of the future SIGINT architecture.

As the Space Systems Acquisition Director, you will supervise and lead a talented team providing deep technical expertise and critical recommendations to the Government for the acquisition of cutting-edge operational capabilities.  You will apply The Aerospace Corporation (Aerospace)’s technical capabilities to strategic planning, system engineering activities, vendor concept maturation, unit/subsystem/vehicle integration and test, on-orbit asset support, performance assessments, and next generation space vehicle development.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, Virginia which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Lead the Acquisition Programs team, providing & implementing strategic vision and ensuring delivery of timely, high quality, impactful Aerospace products to inform critical customer decisions

• Serve as the lead technical advisor to senior government leadership for new space and ground systems research, development, acquisition, and operations

• Scope, direct, and execute Aerospace analysis, R&D, programmatic, and engineering support using core staff and matrixed engineering capabilities across a broad range of technical disciplines

• Collaborate across the Aerospace organization to bring enterprise perspectives to bear during resolution of program challenges

• Cooperate and communicate frequently with SETA, mid-level and senior government officials to coordinate and report progress, issues, and results

• Personnel management of Aerospace staff to include recruiting, training, and professional development

• Oversee the execution of approximately 15 PTS (professional technical staff years of technical effort), prioritizing resolution of the hardest technical challenges and leveraging Aerospace’s differentiating capabilities for the benefit of the programs

• Participate in budget planning and resource allocation

• Implement policies, practices, and operating processes and recommend improvements to management

• Establish organization’s objectives and goals and communicate them to subordinates, management, and interfacing matrix organizations

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or another technical discipline

• 12 or more years of progressively more responsible experience in engineering, analysis, architecture, performance modeling, satellite acquisition, satellite technologies, phenomenology, or applications

• Experience designing, building, and testing advanced spacecraft systems

• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of contractors, customers, and corporate staff

• Proven ability to identify and prioritize high impact activities, propose action plans and execute within relevant program timelines

• Strong communication skills, with ability to effectively influence senior leaders

• Ability to solve complex multi-disciplinary challenges by leveraging teams with diverse skill sets

• Experience leading technical teams, with demonstrated ability to motivate individuals to achieve high performance through collaboration

• Experience briefing and/or supporting government customers

• Willing to support occasional (less than 10%) domestic and international travel

• This position requires a current and active TS/SBI/SCI security clearance and polygraph, 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:

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree from an accredited program in engineering, math, physics, or other related discipline

• Technical knowledge of SIGINT architecture, systems, mission needs & capabilities

• Prior management experience

• Experience with enterprise integration and/or mission operations

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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.