Systems Director - Propulsion Systems

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 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. In the Vulcan Development and Operations (VDO) subdivision of DSG, we are seeking a Systems Director for Propulsion Systems . In this role, you will lead staff providing propulsion expertise to the US Space Force in procuring and assuring Vulcan space launches within the national security space launch (NSSL) program. Vulcan employs three propulsive cycles, each reliant on specialty design, unique materials and impeccable production and operation. Fortunately, you’ll be leading an FFRDC team with deep analytical and laboratory reach in each of these areas. You will ensure technically sound and objective assessments are provided, including actionable recommendations, within appropriate timelines and budget allocations. You will work with other managers in VDO to set strategy and achieve goals. And you will build, mentor, and sustain a team that provides technical depth and FFRDC unique capability while working closely with military, civilian, and contractor staff. The Vulcan rocket has been assigned the most exciting, unique, and critical launch missions. We seek someone to lead the team that ensures those missions can defy gravity to reach space. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Los Angeles AFB in El Segundo, CA. What You’ll Be Doing Lead the department providing expertise on development, production, and operation of Vulcan’s booster and upper stage propulsion systems Perform day-to-day management of department activities and personnel, and matrixed support from Aerospace’s Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) Build and maintain strong, interdisciplinary teams, working closely with Program Office customers to ensure customer satisfaction Promote staff development and mentor Program Office and ETG personnel Act as interface between staff, USSF SSC customer, launch vehicle contractor, and the NRO Office of Space Launch Mentor new Space Force officers to help them gain familiarity with technical processes and tasks associated with technical analysis disciplines Effectively communicate status and progress of management and technical activities, issues and accomplishments through written reports and presentations to Aerospace, Government customers, and contractor teams Provide realtime support for tests, training, and launch of Vulcan missions Interact frequently and work closely with Aerospace management team What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements for Systems Director - Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering: Bachelor of Science Degree in engineering or related technical discipline from a recognized institution 12 or more years of experience, relevant to launch vehicle propulsion, in at least one of the following technical areas: cryogenic liquid rocket engines, cryogenic system design and operation, solid rocket motors, rocket engine/motor structural design/materials, turbomachinery or hydraulic design/analysis/test Experience in leadership of multi-disciplinary teams, including matrixed support Experience with project management and development (including budgets), demonstrated ability to balance technical and programmatic perspectives Experience with mission assurance/success processes and demonstrated ability to apply them in the NSSL program context Ability to travel on a regular basis (approximately once per month) This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, issued by the US Government. US citizenship is required to obtain a clearance. How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: Advanced degree in one of the disciplines identified as relevant to the position Previous line management and personnel development experience Strong interpersonal and team building skills, demonstrated thru work across organizations and up and down organizational levels Excellent written and verbal communication skills: ability to present clear, concise briefings and write well-crafted reports and assessments Demonstrated complex problem solving, well-founded technical recommendations Demonstrates enterprise-level perspective with prior Program Office(s) and ETG experience Able to work in high intensity, fast-paced environment with rapidly changing priorities, and highly demanding customer Experience in mentoring and training of peers, team members and/or custom