Project Leader / Senior Project Leader

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.
Job Summary
The Aerospace Corporation's Experiment Lab, xLab, develops prototypes, instruments, pathfinders, and demonstration systems to address our customers' hardest problems at the speed of need. We engage with our customers to conceptualize innovative solutions and deliver impactful products for ground and space and everything in between. We are looking for engineers with a passion for design, a commitment to teamwork and a desire to help xLab make a difference to today's challenges.
As the Project Leader / Senior Project Leader, you will be responsible for the planning and execution of hardware build projects. S/he will lead and work with multi-functional, cross-organizational teams to design, build, test and operate complex space science sensors and small satellite systems. This role requires innovative problem-solving abilities to develop and shape laboratory and research strategies, enable growth of new business, manage laboratory resources and team to reflect the research strategy, and lead this premier organization in continuing technology transition of impactful solutions for the benefit of the broader space community.
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines regular onsite work and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
What You'll Be Doing

• As part of a project leadership team, which includes the project Principal Investigator and Projects Systems Engineer, the Project Manager is responsible for the timely delivery of specific project deliverables in accordance with project requirements (technical, cost & schedule)
• Manage multiple projects through all phases of development: Proposal, Concept, Requirements, Design, Build, Assembly, Integration and Test (AI&T), Delivery, Launch, Post Launch, Etc.
• Work with project teams to ensure work is performed in accordance with mission/project requirements, planned budgets, schedules and program risk posture
• Manage road-blocks, work-arounds and unexpected events on projects to maintain optimal technical, cost and schedule performance
• Create and maintain strong working relationships and lines of communication with both internal/external customers and other team member organizations.
• Work with assigned teams to develop project cost and schedule plans for new business proposals; work with Aerospace estimating and contracts teams to ensure compliant submission of new business proposals.

This position is available as a Project Leader or Senior Project Leader
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
Project Leader

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in an applicable discipline is required
• 8 or more years of increasingly responsible professional experience, including experience in a hardware engineering project management/project leadership role is required
• Experience in team leadership, project planning and project execution
• Proficient computer skills, especially Microsoft Office Applications
• Experience with Microsoft project or other project management tools desirable
• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Senior Project Leader
Same requirements as a Project Leader noted above, in addition to:

• 12 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including multidisciplinary systems engineering and/or program management environments is required

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

• Advanced degree from an accredited program in an applicable discipline is strongly preferred
• 12+ years of experience in role with direct project management experience is encouraged
• Spaceflight hardware experience in project/product team leadership and execution is desirable
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholder and external customers is a nice-to-have
• Knowledge and understanding of procurement, property and business practices desirable is preferred

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)
$103,300 - $162,500 - $232,900
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.