Launch Systems and Mission Engineering Associate Systems Director

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 serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

The NSG Launch Directorate provides direct technical support to the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Office of Space Launch (OSL) in the areas of Launch Vehicle Systems Engineering, Mission Integration Engineering, Launch Site Engineering, and Mission Assurance. In your role as the Launch Systems and Mission Engineering Associate Systems Director, you will assist in managing Launch Directorate personnel based in Chantilly, VA and providing direct support to the co-located OSL customer. You will provide managerial and technical leadership to a team focused on mission execution and mission success throughout the multi-year launch system development, mission integration, and mission readiness processes for NRO missions.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA.

What You'll Be Doing

• Policy and Strategy work with OSL senior leadership
• Provide technical support for customer programs and projects with focus on launch system and mission integration technical issues
• Coordinate and direct Aerospace resources to respond effectively to customer needs
• Perform readiness assessments at key milestones in support of NRO launch readiness and mission certification processes
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and career guidance for staff members
• Assist the Launch Directorate management team to address staffing needs, performance reviews, and other supervisory tasks

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirement for Associate Systems Director - Engineering Program Management:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field is required
• 12 or more years of engineering technical/management experience in launch vehicle or space vehicle design, development, build, test or operations
• Proven ability to interface proactively and communicate complex technical subject matter effectively with all levels of customers, contractors, and peers
• Demonstrated leadership and technical management skills including the ability to build consensus and establish cohesive working teams among diverse engineering disciplines and across multiple organizations within as well as outside of Aerospace
• Willing to travel 10-25% with extended durations during launch campaigns
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and 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 a STEM field
• Familiarity with launch vehicles, specifically Falcon, Vulcan, New Glenn, Electron, etc.
• Knowledge of acquisition processes
• Ability to provide comprehensive technical analyses and recommendations in high stress, time critical environments

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
• A 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 or by email at . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.