Associate Director - Software Systems Acquisition Dept

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 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.
We are seeking an Associate Director for the Software Systems and Acquisition Department who will work directly with our internal and external customers to integrate diverse Aerospace knowledge and leverage the latest technologies to address their toughest challenges. The Associate Director will lead and manage an impactful team in the delivery of acquisition-focused software lifecycle expertise to customers nationwide.
The successful candidate will provide leadership, planning, and direction of technical office staff and operations across multiple geographic locations; assigns resources, determines staffing needs, and coordinates activities and operations among subordinate units; Communicate and coordinate activities to counterpart organizations, management, and customers.
This position is a predominately onsite in El Segundo, CA with a hybrid work model that supports some remote work. Some local and/or overnight travel is required.
What You'll Be Doing

• Work with the Director on Department operations, project management, and staff development, including succession planning and mentoring.
• Provide overall direction to Department's technical programs and ensure Department's capabilities are effectively applied to needs of customers programs.
• Participate as a member of the Software Engineering Subdivision (SES) management team in determining organization's structure and staff, and support resource needs. Participate in budget planning and allocation of resources.
• Conduct staff performance reviews and recommend performance improvement, career development, salary, and promotion actions; establish staffing needs and recommend reassignments, training, transfers, and other staff deployments; assist other supervisors in evaluation, mentoring, and assignment of staff.
• Recruit, hire, and retain excellent candidates to join our diverse and high-performing team.
• Provide strategic thinking and tactical execution as part of the subdivision and division leadership teams.
• Direct and participate in technical projects of importance to the Corporation and in activities that advance the Corporation's imperatives, initiatives, and goals.
• Liaise with program offices to define tasks and schedules, and to build and manage technical teams.
• Anticipate customer's future needs, understand their problems, and develop novel solutions.

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in computer science, software engineering, computer or information systems, management sciences, or closely related technical discipline
• Minimum of 12-years of relevant hands-on experience in the development of complex, software-reliant systems, including Agile/DevSecOps software development or Agile project management
• Minimum of 2 years of staff management or technical project leadership experience
• Experience in one or more of the following: federal government acquisition programs, MBSE/digital engineering, software processes/metrics/quality, software process improvement
• Excellent organizational and communication skills (written, oral, and presentation)
• Active or recent Secret clearance with ability to obtain and maintain TS/SSBI and SCI access

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree from an accredited program in a relevant field
• Experience managing geographically dispersed teams
• Familiarity in multiple areas associated with National Security Space systems, Department of Defense, civil, commercial space systems, and advanced space technologies
• Familiarity with satellite ground systems, operations, and launch
• Experience with federal acquisitions and documentation
• Knowledge of commercial satellite systems
• Current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance
• Current, relevant technical and/or management certifications (e.g., PMP, Scrum Master, DAWIA Program Manager Level II or III, etc.)

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 - Mid - Max)
$122,952 - $202,011 - $281,070
Pay Basis: Annual
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 [email protected]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.