Systems Director – Special Programs Architecture, Systems Engineering, and Integration full_time

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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Aerospace Space Domain Superiority Directorate, in the Special Programs Division, supports a broad array of Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power missions covering the entire threat response chain from the Space Domain Awareness function through the multidomain effects needed for space superiority. These programs include major system acquisitions for multiple ground and space segments, future architecture definition at the data/software/hardware levels, and research and technology for continuous evolution of space warfighting capabilities.

You will be the Systems Director leading the Aerospace support to the Integration & Engineering Division that performs system-of-systems engineering and capability integration for the Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power (SDACP) and the Battle Management Command, Control, and Communications (BMC3) Directorates. The integration across the SDACP and BMC3 organizations ensures the delivery of integrated capabilities required to maintain space superiority.

Work Model

This position requires 100% on site work in El Segundo, California.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead a dynamic team that provides technical expertise to the government systems engineering and integration teams working with a broad array of space superiority programs
• Exemplify Aerospace corporate values of objectivity and integrity when serving as a trusted agent to senior government customers
• Build effective collaborative relationships with relevant external organizations, including Space Systems Integration Office (SSIO), Space Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO), Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), and Space Operations Command
• Work in partnership with other Aerospace managers to jointly contribute to national security mission objectives
• Establish a collaborative work environment that is open to new ideas and challenges to the status quo
• Establish the organization’s objectives and communicate them to subordinates, management, and interfacing matrix organizations 

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical subject area
• 12 or more years of professional experience in a relevant field and 10 or more years of experience supporting National Security Space missions
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills for interactions at all levels of corporate and government leadership
• Proven leadership ability to operate strategically, including leading teams contributing to strategic objectives
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across organizations and manage competing priorities
• Track record of delivering results through effective delegation while holding oneself accountable for results
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI government security clearance and willingness to submit to additional clearances, which is 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:

• Experience in Space Superiority or Space Control programs
• Demonstrated systems engineering success including enterprise level requirements and concepts of operations
• Leadership of groups developing architectures that integrate across programs and mission partners
• Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships with government program team leaders
• Demonstrated management skills including budgeting, staff development, and strategic planning
• Knowledge of Aerospace practices and policies relevant to department leadership

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.