Section Manager, Space Vehicle Concept Design

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 division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a wide-ranging and 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-enabled mission effects.

Vehicle Ground Concepts Department Description

The Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD) in EED provides space vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design; trade and architecture analysis, modeling, process development and leadership expertise ; and tool development in support of conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. As a member of VGCD, you will be designing innovative spacecraft and ground segment solutions to meet the most pressing mission needs of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers.

Work Model

This position will follow an in-person work model in one of Aerospace's campuses in Chantilly, VA , Colorado Springs, CO, or El Segundo, CA .

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading early-stage design studies for spacecraft concepts; types of studies can include both small, individual efforts as well as larger, multidisciplinary teams of subject matter experts.

• Serving as a subject matter expert in spacecraft-level systems engineering to support execution of customer programs, including during design reviews and other milestones.

• Conduct staff performance reviews and other personnel management functions such as managing team resources and needs, providing career development and mentoring, and recommending personnel staffing requests (hiring, promoting)

• Pursue opportunities for additional , expanded, and new tasking for staff and identify appropriate personnel to perform the work

• Leading the development of capabilities utilizing AI in the concept development of spacecraft or spacecraft ground systems.

• Leading continuous development, maintenance, and improvement of the tools and models that are used during spacecraft concept design and analysis activities.

• Establishing strong working relationships with government, program office, and contractor personnel as well as other members of Aerospace's engineering group.

• Work with the Enterprise Design Subdivision ( E DS) management team to find organizational collaboration opportunities for E DS customers

• Mentoring members of the department

What You Need To Be Successful

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in a relevant engineering or science discipline.

• 6+ years of relevant experience working on multi-disciplinary engineering teams with a focus on spacecraft or ground segment design

• A strong knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and system engineering; some knowledge of ground segment concepts

• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and demonstrate initiative under pressure

• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills and ability to excel in a collaborative environment; proficiency with office and collaboration tools, such as MS Office.

• Demonstrated experience in concurrent engineering tools, processes, and methodologies

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and conduct long-term technical studies for geographically dispersed programs

• Ability to develop project plans, manage delivery commitments, and generate and present deliverables to Aerospace management and program offices and customers

• Ability to assemble and lead multi-disciplinary teams and to scope work for often vague problem statements

• Ability to communicate technical information to various levels and types of stakeholders

• Occasional domestic travel

• Current or active TS/SSBIand ability to maintain a TS/SCI clearance .

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree ( Master's or Ph.D.) from an accredited program in engineering or relevant engineering discipline

• Strong, demonstrated personal initiative

• Familiarity with concurrent engineering tools, processes, and methodologies

• Knowledge of space system requirements and how to turn them into concept designs

• Familiarity with payloads, ground systems, launch systems, missile systems, and/or aircraft systems

• Proficiency in commercial simulation tools/programming languages, including one or more of: MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, SolidWorks

• Strong, demonstrated personal initiative to seek out work, establish relationships throughout organizations, and identify and correct issues as they arise.

• Experience with the Intelligence Community, DoD, and other common Aerospace customers.

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 - $201,300.00

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:

• 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 .