Systems Director - Poliferated Spacecraft

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 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.

Imagery Programs Division’s (IPD) Proliferated Systems (PS) provides technical leadership and guidance on multiple proliferated constellation major system acquisition. We need a Systems Director responsible for leading the Space Vehicle Engineering team.  In this unique leadership position, you will have responsibilities touching on all aspects of the space vehicle – from the smallest piece parts through to the completed spacecraft assembly, launch, and support to initialization and operations, as well as aspects of mission performance and integration into the customer’s larger mission enterprise.  You will manage a team working with the customer and other contractors to define hardware requirements, analyze hardware performance, perform specialty engineering, control parts/materials/processes, integrate designs, verify systems, integrate & test space vehicles, and operate space vehicles in a proliferated constellation.

This position requires 100% on-site work in Chantilly, VA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Working closely with the government Integrated Product Team Program Manager counterpart and junior government personnel to scope Aerospace efforts in Parts, Materials, and Processes, Requirements Management, configuration management, unit and subsystem manufacturing, Space Vehicle integration and test, risk management, anomaly resolution, space vehicle sell-off, and proliferated constellation operations.
• Lead and manage a team providing timely, high-impact technical recommendations to guide hardware sell-off decisions, system trades, risk management, and anomaly resolution.
• Coordinate with Aerospace counterparts within and outside the organization to strategically position Aerospace to close program and Enterprise requirements risks.
• Mentoring staff and government customers in system engineering, integration, and test processes during the transition from unit to vehicle-focused efforts.
• Develop, maintain, and grow staff and engineering support personnel to address both current and future needs.
• Participate with higher management in determining organizational priorities and directing planning and engagement of Aerospace resources.
• Collaborate with SETA and contractor counterparts within scope of responsibility.

What You Need to be Successful – Engineering Integration – Technical Program Management Office

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline
• Twelve of more years of hardware engineering experience that includes technical leadership
• Experience with space vehicle engineering-related processes with in-depth knowledge of one or more technical engineering areas.
• Understanding of the space vehicle integration and environmental test process
• Management skills to include: team-building, personnel development, performance management, budget and resource planning, and mentoring
• Willing to travel 1-2 times per month across the country.  
• This position requires a TS/SCI 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:

• Broad experience in all phases of space vehicle systems acquisition from requirements specification to space vehicle integration and test to verification and sell-off and into system operations
• Demonstrated ability to balance technical detail with broader programmatic perspective
• Initiative and ability to lead change; ability to identify and implement efficiencies, and develop innovative solutions to engineering issues
• Experience working in a nation security space system program office leading and managing personnel
• Master’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline

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.