Section Manager - Advanced Trajectory Optimization

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.
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Job Summary
The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.
The Trajectory Design and Optimization Department (TDOD) is seeking a Section Manager of the newly formed Advanced Trajectory Optimization Section (ATOS) to lead analysts across a wide range of support areas. The ATOS organization will focus on expanding the department's portfolio for emerging areas of interest to the department's diverse customer base. Immediate focus points will include trajectory design and optimization support for Cis-Lunar missions, hypersonic trajectories (boost + reentry, interceptors, Red and Blue assessments), and new tool development efforts supporting the entire department trajectory mission set. In addition to the Cis-Lunar and Hypersonics mission areas, this mission set also includes launch vehicles and Earth-centric spacecraft applications.
This is a full-time position based in one of the following locations: El Segundo CA (preferred), Colorado Springs CO, Albuquerque NM, or Huntsville AL.
What You'll Be Doing

• Leading teams performing Cis-Lunar trajectory design and optimization for chemical and/or electric propulsion systems
• Leading teams performing hypersonics trajectory design and optimization for various reentry concepts and potential interceptor mission sets
• Balancing the department's use of industry tools like Copernicus, GMAT, and GPOPS-II with internal tool development efforts to improve support and responsiveness to specific customer needs
• Identifying evolutionary paths for the department's current internal tool base and procuring customer and IRAD funding to enable tool advancement
• Develop relationships with customers to facilitate solutions for existing and emerging challenges
• Provide strategic vision aligned with senior management and effectively communicate the vision to staff
• Manage department resources across multiple focus areas
• Establish business goals and strategies
• Recruit, hire, mentor, and develop exceptional talent for the section, department, and organization

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent
• Typically, 8 years of applicable professional or educational experience is required
• Experience in one or more of these programming languages: C, C++, Fortran, Python, or Matlab
• Ability to develop, maintain, and enable staff for new collaborations with internal or external organizations
• Experience with project leadership and demonstrated ability to initiate and lead team efforts
• Willingness to occasionally travel domestically and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 15% (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.

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

• Advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent
• Typically, 12 years of applicable professional or educational experience is highly preferable
• Experience working in a dynamic environment with development of new technology and research focus areas
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, is highly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Grade-Based Pay Range
(Min - Mid - Max)
$117,027 - $192,281 - $267,534
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 The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the supplement, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.