Thermal Control Department, Director

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) 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 leader-a Director (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 You'll 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:

• Bachelor's 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 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 - $252,400

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:

• 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 .