Associate Director, Vehicle Engineering & Integration 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.

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.

The Vehicle Engineering & Integration Department is part of the Vehicle Systems Division, the premier satellite and launch vehicle technical organization within the Aerospace Corporation. Vehicle Engineering & Integration is seeking a candidate to take on the role of Vehicle Engineering & Integration Department Associate Director (Associate Director – Interdisciplinary Vehicle Engineering and Integration) with a demonstrated record in leadership and a strong foundation in vehicle systems engineering, a passion for the space industry, and a desire to apply their expertise to help solve a variety of technical challenges facing national security space programs.

This position is located in El Segundo, CA., or Chantilly, VA., and requires at least 4 days onsite.

What You’ll Be Doing

- Support the Director and management team in establishing department objectives, communicating them to staff and matrix organizations; contribute to decisions on organizational structure, staffing, and resource/budget allocation
- Assign functional responsibilities within assigned teams; coordinate work activities and monitor progress against schedules and allocations
- Conduct staff performance reviews and recommend development, promotion, and salary actions for assigned staff
- Maintain strong technical expertise in interdisciplinary systems engineering, AI&T, Modeling & Simulation (M&S), and resiliency-focused design; lead or co-lead technical teams performing engineering design, analysis, and R&D across these disciplines
- Support multidisciplinary system-level acquisition, design, integration and test (AI&T) activities for space vehicles and interfaces to launch and ground systems
- Help identify, mitigate, and resolve subsystem risks and issues, with emphasis on system resiliency; provide risk assessment input to program offices during development and operational phases
- Contribute guidance on technical topics to advance industry state-of-practice in systems engineering, AI&T, and resiliency
- Coordinate regularly with customers on needs, schedules, and progress; develop and maintain strong working relationships with customers and contractors
- Identify and pursue interdisciplinary project and business opportunities, including new customers and cross-divisional partnerships; support business development and technological innovation
- Review technical work, reports, and briefings for customer delivery; escalate for approval as appropriate
- Mentor early career and department staff, providing technical guidance across interdisciplinary engineering domains; help bring in tasks/projects beyond personal activities
- Participate in multi-disciplinary technical teams and matrixed program office support, as needed; travel to contractor/vendor facilities as required

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

- Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in engineering, mathematics, science, or related

- Minimum of 12 years of experience in one or more of the following areas: mechanical design and analysis, design for manufacturing, optical-mechanical systems, environmental testing, propulsion, mechanisms, guidance and controls, thermal engineering, structures
- Demonstrated 2+ years of people management skills, including hiring, mentoring, staff development, and administering performance reviews
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers
- Strong technical leadership skills and a proven ability to build and lead interdisciplinary teams

- Conduct detailed technical analyses and apply knowledge independently with minimal guidance
- Ability to communicate effectively and develop relationships with customers, Aerospace, and contractor personnel
- Must be skilled in assembling and leading interdisciplinary team members and working across departments, divisions, and customers.
- Demonstrate exceptionally high level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative

- Willing to travel domestically and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)
- Current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the US government or the ability to obtain one. US 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 engineering, mathematics, science, or other technical discipline
- Experience in one or more of the following areas: electrical integration and testing, test hardware/software, electrical design, power systems, ground support equipment (electrical, mechanical, optical, test, etc.)

- Demonstrated 5+ years of people management skills, including hiring, mentoring, staff development planning, and conducting periodic performance reviews is preferred

- Experience working across multiple engineering disciplines
- Experience in business development activities
- Knowledge of satellite test standards and Aerospace mission assurance
- Knowledge of Aerospace’s Engineering and Technology Group’s capabilities and demonstrated interaction with their personnel

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)
$185,100.00 - $277,600.00

Pay Basis: Annual

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:

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Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

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Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

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Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options