The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nations 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 youll 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) is the dynamic heart of groundbreaking ideas and cutting-edge research driving current and future systems through innovative research and development rigorous technical evaluations in the acquisition process visionary design seamless assembly integration testing and comprehensive operational support. Made up of elite mechanical and aerospace engineers VSD stands as a national powerhouse in vehicle engineering and offers unparalleled expertise in guidance navigation and controls; robotics; electromechanical systems; embedded technology; fluid dynamics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; as well as mechanisms and structural dynamics in complex dynamic environments.
We are on the lookout for an inspiring leaderaDirector (Director Aeronautical & Mechanical Engineering)to spearhead our Thermal Control Department within the Vehicle Performance Subdivision. This department is a hub of seasoned engineers renowned for their mastery in spacecraft thermal control system design and analysis spanning from individual components to full-scale systems. With a portfolio that boasts deep technical studies groundbreaking experimental investigations and real-time decision-making support the team plays a critical role in fueling our clients successes. As Director you will ignite innovation by providing visionary leadership strategic planning and expert guidance to our talented technical staff ensuring we remain at the forefront of aerospace excellence.
This position requires 100% on-site work at our El Segundo CA. (preferable) or Chantilly VA. offices.
What Youll Be Doing
Lead a High Impact Technical Team
Provide leadership to a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing technical expertise in support of thermal control technical areas for customers and contractors
Advance department expertise in new thermal control technologies as well as thermal analysis tools and laboratory assignments
Implement high-impact strategies that exceed customer needs foster innovation and deliver transformative solutions
Shape the Future of Technical Excellence
Drive the future of the department by developing top engineering talent and expanding technical capabilities to ensure the team stays ahead of advancements in anticipation of customer priority needs
Identify and capture new business opportunities that position the organization as an industry leader
Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration
Build and lead high-impact cross-functional teams aligning expertise with project needs and driving collaborative solutions
Partner with fellow directors in the Vehicle Systems Division to shape a cohesive team strategy align technical efforts and share best practices
Strategically Manage Budgets
Oversee and optimize budgets to ensure efficient resource allocation cost-effectiveness and operational excellence
Drive Team Performance and Engagement
Cultivate a high-performing team by setting clear expectations providing continuous feedback and fostering a culture of collaboration innovation and professional growth
Lead department in strategic planning hiring/staffing performance reviews rewarding/developing staff and more
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelors degree in a STEM-related field
10 years of experience in thermal control systems
Expertise in some of the following technical areas: active and/or passive thermal control system design numerical analysis thermal analysis tool architecture and design launch and mission support thermal subsystem specifications material properties databases and/or thermal testing
Experience managing technical teams risk management anomaly investigation thermal subsystem development and mission assurance
Willingness to travel domestically approximately 10 15%
This position requires a current and active Top Secret/SCI clearance which is issued by the US 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 a STEM-related field
12 years of experience in heat transfer or thermal sciences
Experience managing high-performing technical teams and managers
Experience working on national security space civil space and commercial space programs
Familiarity with launch vehicle satellite bus payloads and thermal control systems as well as their relationships to other subsystems and mission-level performance
We offer a competitive compensation package where youll 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)
$168200 - $252400Pay Basis: AnnualLeadership 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:
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 otherthe 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 equalopportunity 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 colorreligiongeneticinformation 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 youre 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 emailat .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.
Required Experience:
Director
Aerospace operates the only federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) committed exclusively to the space enterprise. Our technical experts span every discipline of space-related science and engineering.