Systems Director - Falcon Propulsion Systems

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.
Would you like to manage and provide mentorship for a team of project engineers supporting the execution of National Security Space Launches (NSSL) on the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy LV? This team will evaluate the certification progress and perform Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) of the Falcon Launch Vehicle for the United States Space Force (USSF) to enable launching NSSL missions.
The Launch Systems Operations and Development team within the Launch Systems Division is seeking a well-qualified individual with demonstrated leadership and exceptional communication abilities. As the Propulsion Systems Director you will manage and provide leadership for a team of project engineers to evaluate propulsion systems used on SpaceX and other prospective launch vehicle providers for the United States Space Force. You will be responsible for ensuring the team consistently provides technically sound and objective assessments along with recommendations to Aerospace and USSF leadership within appropriate timelines and budget allocations for the purposes of launch vehicle certification and operational mission assurance. You will also be responsible for providing direction, mentorship and developing the technical and functional capabilities of the team while also building effective working relationships with the USSF team, contractor counterparts (e.g. SpaceX or other contractors and their suppliers), ETG, and other affected collaborators like the NRO and NASA.
What You'll Be Doing

• Provide leadership, planning, and management of technical staff and activities
• Assign resources, determine staffing needs, and coordinate activities
• Establish and communicate organizational objectives and goals
• Participate in higher management planning, budgeting, and resource allocation
• Provide mentoring and guidance for staff in addition to finding opportunities for performance improvement and conducting performance evaluations
• Interface regularly at the working-level and management level to ensure accurate and effective assignment of customer tasks
• Foster productive working relationships within the organization and with the customer and contractor community to facilitate the identification and mitigation of risks to mission success
• Lead staff and engineering teams across multiple subject areas to provide rigorous, objective and technically accurate assessments and address programmatic impacts
• Effectively communicate status and progress of technical activities, issues, and accomplishments through reports and briefings to Aerospace, Space Force, and contractor teams

Work Model: 100% Onsite: This position is a customer facing position located 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA. Occasional telework acceptable depending on customer needs.
What You Need to be Successful - Systems Director
Minimum Requirements:

• B.S. in mechanical engineering or related field from a recognized institution
• Typically 12 or more years of progressively responsible professional engineering/scientific experience
• Experience with analysis and/or testing of propulsion systems
• Experience leading team(s) comprised of diversely skilled engineers and experience
• A current Secret Clearance or the ability to obtain/maintain a Secret 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 had one or more of these:

• MS degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or related field from a recognized institution
• Previous position or experience in leadership and management role(s)
• Effective interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Proven ability to effectively and efficiently establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of customer and corporate staff
• Knowledge and experience with Aerospace launch verification processes
• Testing and/or analysis of launch vehicle systems
• Systems engineering and verification of requirements
• Liquid and/or solid rocket propulsion systems

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.