Assist the Director in developing the vision and direction for the department to execute and enhance corporate capabilities that responsively inform our customers' space and ground acquisitions and architectures .
Drive new technology adoption (e.g., generative and agentic AI) and adapt these to enhance systems engineering workflows .
I dentify new partnerships for growth in customer impact.
Ensur e Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department and related corporate activities fully leverage expertise from across Aerospace , incorporat ing best practices in enterprise systems engineering .
Serve as a primary contact for program office inquiries, frame problems, develop implementation plans, and identify appropriate personnel based on expertise .
Foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, maintain robust relationships with peer organizations, and lead multi-discipline design teams.
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 conceptual design , evaluation , and analysis activities.
What You Need to be a Successful Associate Director, Vehicle and Ground Concepts Departmen t.
Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or a related field; or a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and equivalent technical experience
Typically 10 or more years demonstrated experience leading engineering studies and analysis teams, managing/coordinating complex technical tasks among team members, and translating customer needs into actionable tasks for engineers
Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary teams involving system design, acquisition and/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 to initiate and lead project teams, develop project plans, identify high-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, and demonstrate initiative under pressure
Ability to travel approximately 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 is required to obtain a security clearan
Benefits
Vision insurance
Additional Information
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 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), the Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department ( VGC D) drives responsive and comprehensive space vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design , trades, and evaluation. Working closely with corporate program offices, VGCD delivers integration leadership and capabilities for conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. The department serves US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers. The Associate Director of the Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department will work with the Director to lead 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 in El Segundo CA.
Aero · El Segundo, CA