Systems Director - Technology Development

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 National Systems Group (NSG) serves as the technical adviser to the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch. 

The Advanced Research and Engineering (AR&E) Sub-Division leads Aerospace support to the R&D portfolio of a major intelligence agency. AR&E is looking for a Systems Director (Systems Director - Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering) for the Technology Development Department leading a cadre of engineers and scientists to discover, study, develop, and demonstrate the next generation of space technologies for the Innovation portfolio of a National Security Space customer. In this role you will advise influential customers on the advancement of critical technologies spanning cross-phenomenology overhead intelligence systems, data transport, autonomy, foundational technology, resiliency and security, and hardware prototyping and acquisition. This is a unique opportunity to work across the customer Technical Enterprise, leveraging the Physical Sciences Laboratory, Engineering Technology Group, and Prototyping expertise at Aerospace.

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA, which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing the acquisition of experimental CubeSats and hardware prototyping activities for capability development.  
• Providing strategic guidance and vision for future space architectures to inform government technology investment decisions.  
• Establishing organization’s objectives and goals and communicates them to subordinates, management, and interfacing matrix organizations. Conducts organization’s activities consistent with corporate policies/practices, goals, and objectives.  
• Cooperating and communicating frequently with senior government customers to coordinate and report work progress, issues, and results.  
• Conducting staff performance reviews and recommends performance improvement, career development, salary and promotion actions; establishes staffing needs and recommends reassignments, training, transfers, and other staff deployments; assists other supervisors in evaluation and assignment of staff. Monitors and directs organization’s security processes, compliance, and safety awareness.  
• Developing and managing customer support plans to maximize impact inside provided resources 
• Collaborating and communicating across Aerospace and key elements of the National Security Space enterprise such as the USSF and other elements of the Intelligence Community 

What You Need to be Successful - Systems Director - Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s OR Advanced degree from an accredited program in science, engineering, or mathematics.   
• 12 years of experience in space systems, technology development, or related field 
• Experience with space technology research, development, and applications  
• Experience with hardware prototyping and acquisition  
• Technical leadership and team-building experience  
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills  
• Willing to travel domestically occasionally – approx. 10%. 
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI and a polygraph, 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 science, engineering, or mathematics 
• Significant experience and demonstrated success working with a matrixed engineering organization  
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment consisting of government, FFRDC, and SETAs to meet customer needs  
• Management skills to include team-building, personnel development, performance management, budget and resource planning, and mentoring  
• Familiarity with other DOD, DOE and academic research laboratories  

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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.