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.

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

As part of the Enterprise Design Subdivision (EDS), theVehicle and Ground Concepts Department(VGCD)drivesresponsive and comprehensivespace vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design, trades, and evaluation.Working closely with corporate program offices,VGCDdeliversintegration leadership and capabilities for conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. The department servesUS Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/internationalcustomers.TheAssociateDirector of theVehicle and Ground ConceptsDepartment willwork with the Director tolead these efforts, build partnerships with customers, and ensure the team is staffed with top talent to solve complex challenges.

Work Model:

This full-time position requires 100% onsite work inEl Segundo CA.

WhatYou’llBe Doing:

• Assist the Director in developingthe vision and direction for the department to execute and enhance corporate capabilities thatresponsivelyinform our customers’space and ground acquisitions and architectures

• Drivenew technologyadoption (e.g.,generativeand agentic AI)and adapt these to enhance systems engineering workflows

• Identifynewpartnershipsforgrowth in customer impact.

• EnsureVehicle and Ground ConceptsDepartment and related corporateactivities fullyleverageexpertisefrom across Aerospace,incorporating best practices inenterprise systems engineering

• Managedirect reports, including staff performance reviews, resource allocation, and personnel management, and recommend performance improvements, career development, personnel actions, and awards.Staff are currentlylocatedinChantilly, VA; Albuquerque, NM; Colorado Springs, CO; and El Segundo, CA

• Serve asaprimary contact for program office inquiries, frame problems, develop implementation plans, and identifyappropriate personnelbased onexpertise

• Foster a culture of innovation and collaboration,maintainrobust relationships with peer organizations, and lead multi-disciplinedesignteams.

• Coordinate and manage complex technical tasks among customers, ensuring quality and accuracy of work products.

• Recruit, onboard, and develop staff through performance management, mentoring, and coaching.

• Collaborate with subdivision leadership to cultivate an effective national organization

• Lead technical activities, organize project teams, and execute a variety of conceptualdesign,evaluation,andanalysis activities.

What You Need to be a SuccessfulAssociateDirector,Vehicle and Ground ConceptsDepartment.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science,or a related field;or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and equivalent technical experience

• Typically10 or more yearsdemonstratedexperience leading engineering studies and analysis teams, managing/coordinating complex technical tasks among team members, and translating customer needs into actionable tasks forengineers

• Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary teams involving system design,acquisitionand/or operations in one or more of the following areas: space systems, ground systems, launch systems, or operations

• Experience in hiring, supervising, mentoring, and inspiring staff

• Proven ability toinitiateand lead project teams, develop project plans,identifyhigh-impact deliverables, and manage schedule commitments

• Exceptional time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and to lead cross-functional teams

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present methods and results effectively

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, manage ambiguity, anddemonstrateinitiative under pressure

• Ability to travelapproximately 15-25% of the time

• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, and the ability to pass a CI Polygraph. U.S. citizenship isrequiredto obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out  

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

• A graduate degree or extensive work experienceinrelevant fields

• Experience withconcurrent engineering, spacecraft design, ground system design,model-based systems engineering (MBSE), digital engineering, and/or enterprise systems engineering/architecting

• Experience with generative and/or agentic AI technologies

• A reputation for expanding the knowledge and/or application ofthe concurrent engineering designdiscipline, literature, tools, and processes

• Prior experience with related Aerospacearchitecting and design capabilities (CDC, PDST, MBSE, Digital Engineering), or similar experience at another company

• Experienceleveragingor integrating commercial capabilities/services into space mission architectures

• Experience collaborating with multiple Aerospace program offices and customers

• Strong interpersonal networks within Aerospace and customer organizations

• Strong connections and working experience with the National SecuritySpaceCommunity

• Experience withor supporting the acquisition ofspacecraft, payloads, ground systems, launch systems, missile systems, nuclear weapon systems, and/oraircraftsystems

• A proven ability toestablishand maintain effective working relationships with contractors, customers, and corporate staff

• Experience leading or managing a geographically distributed team, including remote employees

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)

$168,200.00 - $252,400.00Pay 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