Systems Director - Launch Systems Engineering

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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers' portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The Systems Director for the Launch Systems Engineering Department will support the Space Access program, formally Assured Access to Space (AATS), in all areas of launch acquisition, architecture, mission assurance, systems engineering, digital transformation, and coordination with senior Space Force, NRO, and DoD leadership. The Systems Director will provide dual support for the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program and the Space Access, Mobility, and Logistics (SML) program. This role requires working closely with the AATS/S5 (Engineering), AATS/AL (Space Access, Mobility, and Logistics), AATS/AM (Mission Solutions), and AATS/Systems Delta 80 (Launch Execution) organizations.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You'll Be Doing

• Act as the primary interface with the Space Force Director of Engineering of the Space Access program and provide technical and programmatic leadership for the Launch Systems Engineering team
• Provide technical and programmatic leadership to the Space Access, Mobility, and Logistics (SML) program office and for the SML prototype demonstration efforts
• Develop and maintain NSSL command media, mission assurance standards, and program requirements based on technical analyses and lessons learned
• Manage the launch verification and systems engineering processes and develop/maintain the associated tools
• Implement NSSL Phase 3 Tiered Mission Assurance framework and provide technical support for the Lane 1 Launch System Technical Insight effort
• Support RFP developments, industry engagements, and source selection advisory

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• B.S. in Engineering or related STEM/technical field of study
• 12 or more years of applicable experience in launch vehicle development and mission assurance, systems analysis, and launch operations
• Familiarity with NSSL vehicle families (Falcon 9/Heavy, Vulcan, New Glenn, Nova, and Neutron) and DoD/NRO spacecraft requirements and processes
• Experience working with SSC, launch service contractors, and across Aerospace
• Demonstrated technical reputation and a track record of technical and managerial achievement and balancing technical details and broader programmatic issues
• Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize tasks
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills. Experience briefing technical material to management and customers
• Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced program office environment; an ability to adapt quickly to change and take initiative under pressure
• Demonstrated ability to effectively build teams and establish strong working relationships with management, peers, subordinates, customers and contractors
• This position requires a current DoD Secret clearance with ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, issued by the US government. US 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:

• Current and active TS/SCI security clearance, issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Significant familiarity with NSSL vehicle families (Falcon 9/Heavy, Vulcan, New Glenn, Nova, and Neutron) and DoD/NRO spacecraft requirements and processes
• Extensive knowledge of mission assurance standards, DoD systems engineering, and NSSL program requirements
• Master's or PhD degree in engineering, science or equivalent
• Ability to support travel, as needed

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 - $252,400.00

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 .