Department Director, Communication Software Implementation Department

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 Communication Software Implementation Department (CSID) at the Aerospace Corporation provides proof-of-concept studies, novel algorithms, and prototypes using software-defined radios, reconfigurable hardware transceivers, wireless communication and navigation systems to enable the Space Enterprise's mission success. We are recognized experts in applying non-classical approaches, such as machine learning, to solve real-world problems in satellite communication, signals intelligence, anti-interference, and other mission areas.
Aerospace is seeking a highly motivated Director to help lead CSID within the Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED), we go beyond analysis and simulation to push the leading edge by building working intelligent communication prototypes using software-defined radios. The domain for our larger engineering division, CTED, focuses on main-mission communication satellites, wideband links, command and telemetry, and terrestrial networks, along with their enabling technologies. This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA and will require the chosen candidate to support on-site daily.
What You'll Be Doing:

• Establish the organization's objectives and goals, and communicate them to subordinates, management, and customers.
• Ensure departmental vision is aligned to the stated and anticipated needs of our National Security and Civil Space customers and to the strengths and talents of the organization
• Coordinate with higher management to determine and support the organization's structure, staff, and resource needs.
• Implement corporate policies, practices, and operating processes; and recommend improvements to higher management.
• Recruit, hire, mentor, and lead staff to create cutting edge prototypes in all areas of digital communication using best available technologies
• Conduct staff performance reviews and recommend performance improvement, career development, salary and promotion actions.
• Ensure the technical quality of deliverables (reports, software, services, etc.) to customers.
• Maintain and improve the organization's laboratories to enhance testing and design capabilities.
• Collaborate effectively with other departments in geographically dispersed locations
• While this is a management position, the selected candidate is expected to get involved in a diverse set of technical projects. We go beyond analysis and simulation to build working intelligent Comm prototypes. You also need to be excited about exploring fields and concepts that may be out of your comfort zone.

What You Need to be Successful

• Degree from an accredited university in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or another related discipline
• Strong technical experience in Signal Processing, Machine Learning or Digital Communication
• Strong technical leadership skills and prior management experience
• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible engineering experience in space systems and/or communication space systems
• Successful track record of leading and building teams
• Experience in new business generation
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with corporate, customer, and contractor management and staff
• Demonstrated effective mentorship, career development, and interpersonal skills toward subordinates
• Active Secret level clearance with ability to obtain a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance. (US Citizenship required)

How You Can Stand Out

• Advanced degree (Master or PhD) in relevant engineering disciplines
• Aerospace line management experience
• Successful project management experience
• Working knowledge of digital communication prototyping using GNU Radio, SDR#, SoapySDR, X-Midas, etc.
• Strength in more than one of the following programming languages/libraries: Python, C/C++, TensorFlow, scikit-learn, Keras, Theano, PyTorch, Veles, etc.
• Experience in Data Science which includes: data-centric problem formulation, data cleaning hands-on experience as well as classification, regression and reinforcement learning knowledge
• Experience with Air Force and NRO space programs

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.