Principal Director - Development Prototypes and Projects Directorate

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 Advanced Development and Planning Division needs an exceptional leader, manager, and engineer to lead the Developmental Prototypes and Projects Directorate at the Aerospace Campus in El Segundo, California. The Directorate excels in the rapid acquisition, prototyping, and experimentation of small satellites; the development of space launch engine technologies; and establishing partnerships with Department of Defense and US Government space organizations in budget-constrained space technical development projects.
The Developmental Prototypes and Projects Principal Director leads a team of thirteen high-performing engineers and staff. If you want to see the success of your efforts in a 2-3-year timespan, then you want to run the Developmental Prototypes and Projects Directorate. In the last 16 months, the Directorate provided technical expertise on three major launches that deliver 20 vehicles and payloads to space.
This is an on-site role based at our corporate headquarters in El Segundo, California.
What You'll Be Doing

• Lead, direct, and manage the operations of a dynamic team of space engineers and scientists in the procurement of innovative space technologies
• Provide expert guidance on development, integration, testing, launch, and flight operations to multiple, simultaneous small satellite and small launch acquisition programs
• Optimize the allocation of limited Aerospace resources to maximize the probability of mission success of time- and funding-constrained small satellite acquisition programs
• Hire and inspire a diverse staff of outstanding scientists, engineers, and office support; guide and lead staff performance development in partnership with People Operations and People Acquisition
• Provide guidance, direction, and oversight in the budgeting, planning, execution, and cost management of the Directorate resource portfolio

What you need to be successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree STEM field
• 15+ years of proven experience in a combination of space mission technical subject areas: design, acquisition, development, integration, test, launch, mission assurance, and flight operations
• Deep familiarity with Aerospace mission assurance techniques and demonstrated ability to adapt techniques to resource-constrained acquisition programs
• Ability to build strong working relationships and manage Aerospace resources fluidly across multiple internal and external customers
• Experience working with Aerospace Facilities, Security, Contracts, and other support organizations in hosting US Space Force and their contractors in Aerospace facilities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Travel to Aerospace, Government, and other FFRDC locations is required
• This position requires the ability to obtain a TS/SCI or SSBI with eligibility for SAP clearances, which is issued by the US government. US 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:

• Current TS/SCI or SSBI with eligibility for SAP clearances
• Advanced degree in a science, mathematics, or engineering subject area from a recognized institution
• Experience with space focused R&D and rapid response access to space
• Experience in building partnerships to secure funding for innovative space ideas and the development of novel space prototypes-particularly with satellite hosted payloads
• Strong understanding with the culture, acquisition processes, and systems engineering of Space Systems Command and other DOD and US Government space organizations

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)
$146,090 - $239,747 - $333,403
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.