Job Description

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.

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective andtimelydevelopment and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshootvirtually everyaspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. Theexpertiseof the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems.

The Energy Technology Department (ETD) within PSL conducts basic and applied research in energy storage and generation technology for national security space systems. The department provides technicalexpertisein space solar cell and solar array technology, leading the community in characterizing photovoltaic devices and understanding their performance and degradation in space environments. We are seeking a dynamic Energy Generation Section Managerto lead our team in developing techniques, tools, and prototypes for evaluating next-generation spacecraft solar cell and solar array technology.

In this strategic leadership role, you will guide and mentor a team of 5-10 scientists, engineers, and research associates while conducting hands-on research and providing direct space program support for energy generation, solar cells, and arrays. You will combine deepexpertisein space photovoltaic characterization with team leadership to deliver mission-critical solutions, collaborating with the department director and partner organizations to advance strategicobjectiveswhilemaintainingtechnical credibility through active research and publications.

Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour 

The selected candidate willbe requiredto work full-timeon-site at our facility inEl Segundo, CA.

WhatYou’llBe Doing

You will apply deep technicalexpertisein photovoltaics combined with strategic leadership, innovation, and strong interpersonal skills to plan, develop, and coordinate breakthrough solutions for space power generation technology in a collaborative multi-disciplinary environment.

The position involves:

~65% Individual Contributor Work:

• You willinterface withspaceprogram offices to understand customer needs andprovidingdirect technical supportinsolar cell/arrayacquisition, development,test,reliability, and system-level analysis

• You willestablishand maintain strategic networks with government counterparts, industry partners, and external collaborators across the space power community toidentifyemerging requirements and technology insertion opportunities

• You willconduct andlead R&D projects that reduce risk and enable rapid technology transitionsandcontribute to thefuture spacecraft solar cell and array technology roadmaps

• You will prepare written and oral reports of research activities and accomplishments, and present to higher management,customers,internalcolleaguesand the broader scientific community

• You willparticipatein inter-organizational team assignments and educational activities that advance Aerospace's technical capabilities and support knowledge sharing across the enterprise

~35% Management Work:

• You will supervise5-10 technical staff (scientists, engineers, and research associates), including supporting career development, performance reviews, anddetermininghiring needs while ensuring corporate practices and security policies are followed

• You will work with the department director and business manager to develop and implement organizational R&D and program support strategies for solar array technology, provide input for budgetary planning, and communicate corporate policies to staff

• You will provide strategic and administrative guidance and mentorship to technical staff for the organization, execution, and work product documentation of photovoltaic research and solar array evaluation activities

• You willestablishinterfaces with internal programs and external collaborators, assign staff to projects,monitorand evaluate project progress, andidentifynew businessopportunities in space power generation technology

 What You Need to be Successful–Manager, EnergyGeneration

MinimumRequirementsfor theSection Manager – Energy Generation include:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry,physics, electrical engineering, materials science, devicephysicsor related STEM fieldisrequired

• A minimum of(6)years of applicable professional experience (post-bachelors)participatinginphotovoltaic technologies, solar cell characterization, solar arraysystems engineeringor space power systemstechnologies isrequired

• In-depth knowledge of and experiencewithadvancedspace photovoltaic device characterization techniques,solar simulators, solar array materials analysis, and/or spectroscopic characterization techniques.

• Able to work effectivelywith a diverse range of customersand programs,identifytechnical support requirementsandcollaboratewithinengineeringmatrix organization

• Effectively communicate and manage conflictsand competing priorities 

• Highly motivated and goal-oriented, with exceptional interpersonal skills that drive success in inter-organizational and interdisciplinary teamwork.

• Willing to travelapproximately10-20% (asrequired)

• This position requires ability to obtain andmaintaina security clearance, which is issued by the USgovernment. U.Scitizenship isrequiredto obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, materials science, device physics, or related STEM fieldis preferred

• A strong technical background and experiencein spacecraft solar cell and solar array systems engineering, requirements development,designor development for one or morespace systems

• Experience in technical projects or program leadership is highly desirable,indicatingthe ability to successfully manage complex initiatives and drive cross-functional collaboration

• Experiencein one or more of the following areas:

• Photovoltaic device or solar array technology research, solar array AI&T(Assembly, Integration, and Test) activities, anomaly resolution, and/or on-orbit operationor telemetry analysis

• Spaceradiation and space environmental effects on photovoltaic materials such as III-V semiconductors, silicon, perovskites, CIGS, or other power generation technologies

• Solar cell/solar array modeling forsolar array design and predictingon-orbit performance.

• Exploitation of large datasets, datamanagementand analysis for fundamental research applications such as application of AI/ML to data analysis.

• Active participation in professional societies or technical working groups related to space power generation.

• A current and active TS/SCI is security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship isrequiredto obtain a security clearance.

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)

$134,200.00 - $201,300.00Pay 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:

• 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