Tracking Architecture Performance Department, Section Manager

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 Enterprise Effects Division (EED) integrates Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise, applying a broad range of engineering disciplines to a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. The division spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment and the application of space and space-enabled capabilities

TAPD is part of EED's Integrated Performance Subdivision (IPS). It conducts model-based analyses of tracking performance across architecture scenarios in both nominal and contested operating environments. The department supports customers through concept development, engineering analysis, algorithm development, and evaluation of tracking performance for Radar, Electro-Optical (EO), Infrared (IR), Electronic Warfare (EW), space domain awareness (SDA), and missile warning/missile tracking (MW/MT) for single-INT and multi-INT architectures.

TAPD mission focus includes missile defense, SDA, and surveillance architectures. Modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) products developed by TAPD include architecture evaluations, what-if analyses, and the development, tuning, and optimization of multi-sensor tracking algorithms. TAPD work helps decision-makers understand system performance, identify gaps, assess vulnerability and resiliency, and improve architectural designs.

The Section Manager role encompasses technical responsibilities, project management, and talent management. This position works closely with, and reports directly to, the department Director. On the technical side, the Section Manager provides expertise and capabilities to support customers in modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) of space, air, and ground-based systems of systems, dedicating at least 50% of their time to direct technical contributions. In project management, the Section Manager serves as a key point of contact, providing oversight to ensure deliverables are completed on time and meet quality standards. For talent management, the Section Manager leads hiring and supports team development through training and performance evaluations. Additionally, the Section Manager builds and nurtures collaboration within the department and across other engineering teams to ensure mission success.

Work Model:

This position is onsite at El Segundo, Colorado Springs, Huntsville or Chantilly with some limited hybrid (telework) opportunities.

Your technical responsibilities will include:

- Translate program office needs into modeling, simulation, and analysis project plans and tasks.

- Initiate and participate in collaboration opportunities across program offices and interdisciplinary technical organizations to develop innovative solutions and optimal efficiencies.

- Develop modeling and simulation products to answer various customer questions regarding tracking performance in the context of various nominal and contested scenarios

- Develop and present briefings and reports for program offices and customers.

- Use and contribute to the development of in-house and commercial- and government-off-the-shelf engineering software tools and analysis products.

Your project management responsibilities will include:

- Provide day-to-day oversight and technical guidance into the work done in your section

- Identify, coordinate, and assign work activities to direct reports and facilitate timely completion of these efforts.

- Effectively communicate and manage conflict and competing priorities.

- Build and maintain a strong base of customers and collaborators for the section

- Review section work products for quality and accuracy.

Your talent management responsibilities will include:

- Develop staff through formal and informal performance management, evaluation, mentoring/coaching, and tasking.

- Lead full-time staff and student intern recruiting, hiring, and onboarding efforts.

- Promote sharing and exchange of knowledge and information

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

- Bachelor's degree in engineering (aerospace, astronautical, mechanical, or software), computer science, physics, mathematics, or closely related technical field from an accredited school.

- 6 years of progressively more responsible engineering experience.

- Experience with tracking architectures, sensing phenomenology and various nominal and contested scenario concepts.

- Experience Python, C++ or other programing languages.

- Current TS/SCI Clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

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

- An advanced degree in applicable STEM areas.

- Experience as a technical/project lead in end-to-end, enterprise-level analysis and understanding of mission concepts including space domain awareness, missile warning/tracking or other contested environments.

- Expertise with the following: tracking algorithms, surveillance architectures, multi-phenomenology sensing and kill-chain interdependencies.

- Experience with Modern software development methodologies, tools, processes, and hardware, distributed frameworks, automated workflows with CI/CD, and cloud computing

- Experience in a people management role.

- Current Top Secret/SCI Clearance with polygraph and/or special programs access.

- Ability to form and lead highly productive intra- and inter- organizational teams.

- Ability to work in a dynamic environment under ambiguous and fluctuating customer expectations.

- Ability to identify, prioritize, and delegate tasks.

- Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of customers, staff and management chain.

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)
$147,600.00 - $221,400.00

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