Vice President, Strategic Space Operations

Is there anything more exciting than surrounding yourself with the smartest people on the planet who are shaping the future of space? We don't think so. The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, providing unmatched technical expertise to solve the hardest problems. As a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are engaged across the space enterprise - delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground and cyber systems for defense, intelligence, civil, and commercial customers. With over 3,000 scientists and engineers, Aerospace addresses complex problems across the enterprise through agility, innovation, and objective technical leadership.
To enable this, The Aerospace Corporation is focusing on critical technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, photonics, optical communications, additive manufacturing, electric propulsion, as well as new tools in modeling, simulation, cloud computing, and digital engineering. We design and test these technologies in our world-class labs and facilities.
For example, did you know that Aerospace builds and operates the world's largest constellation of experimental cubesats? These capabilities are providing the foundation for a new generation of resilient, affordable constellation of satellites and advanced ground systems that meet the needs of warfighters, explorers, and key decision makers. These and other major activities place us in the unprecedented position to influence the exciting changes that span across the entire space industry. Join us and make a difference.
The desired location for the position is in Colorado Springs, CO with frequent travel to customer and Aerospace Corporation sites.
Position Overview
We are seeking a progressive executive leader to serve as the vice president, Strategic Space Operations (VP, SSO), reporting to the senior vice president of our Defense Systems Group. The VP, SSO will manage a broad portfolio working with Aerospace customers to integrate and acquire critical mission areas for the US Space Command, US Space Force and Air Force. The role includes the oversight and guidance of Aerospace support to space systems integration, agile acquisition, space threat analyses, and other critical force design, architecting and integration units within the space enterprise. In this exciting position, the successful candidate will have demonstrated capabilities with the operations and acquisitions of national security space systems and knowledge of DoD and commercial space enterprises and the leadership within those markets. In addition, we are seeking a candidate with a strong record and demonstrated ability to understand and enhance space warfighting capability needs to create long-term sustainable growth with the customers. The vice president will offer deep technical expertise and cutting-edge innovation to support the United States government and its allies to solve some of the most complex systems engineering and integration challenges within high-consequence space environments. Key to success is the ability to develop and execute a strategic vision, enabled by technical expertise and leadership capabilities to achieve innovative solutions ahead of need.
Key Responsibilities

• Routinely engages with Space Force senior leadership at US Space Command and US Space Force, especially Space Operations Command (SPOC), Space Training and Readiness command (STARCOM), Space Security Defense Program (SSDP), and Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SRCO), as well as community leadership to ensure that Aerospace is anticipating addressing, and executing well on solving our customers most critical problems.
• Leads efforts where the scope and complexity of responsibilities require the integration of multiple disciplines and functions.
• Provides thought leadership to senior-level customers across the assigned national security space enterprise.
• Proactively stays abreast of external changes and industry trends with an ability to quickly identify the implications and opportunities for the company and our customers.
• Routinely engages with defense industry leaders, serving as a corporate ambassador.
• Provides technical expertise and coordinates with senior management regarding recommendations on pertinent integration issues.
• Demonstrates the Aerospace Corporation Leadership Competencies (see below).
• Serves as the senior corporate site lead for the Colorado Springs campus.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, or other relevant technical discipline.
• 10+ years of distinguished executive management with a track record of building and leading high performing teams that achieve results.
• Demonstrated ability to establish strong customer relationships with impactful examples of influence.
• Demonstrated success leading large organizations to accomplish highly complex national security mission objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and operate with an enterprise mindset.
• Knowledge and experience in military operations, space systems, high-tech or research and development.
• Ability to travel extensively to customer and Aerospace locations.
• US Citizenship.
• Current TS/SCI security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in science, engineering, or other relevant technical discipline.
• Existing experience and current relationships with senior levels of the US Space Command and US Space Force.

Leadership Competencies

• Operates Strategically
  • Demonstrates ability to develop a vision and execute strategies
  • Anticipates and generates solutions a head of need
  • Pivots with agility when circumstances change
• Engages with Impact
  • Effectively communications with purpose, clarity, and authenticity
  • Builds trust, inspires others, and develops top talent for growth and leadership succession
  • Collaborates to generate optimal enterprise solutions
• Leads Change
  • Motivates people to thrive in the face of uncertainty
  • Effectively navigates with multiple stakeholders whose interest are not always aligned
• Fosters Innovation
  • Creates an environment where it is safe to challenge the status quo, experiment, and take risks
  • Champions diversity and inclusion
• Delivers Results
  • Makes decisions with an enterprise mindset that considers operational and financial factors

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)
$351,000 - $361,000 - $373,000
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.