Guidance & Navigation Section Manager

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 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 Guidance & Navigation Section provides support for launch vehicle, missile systems, and missile defense systems for a wide range of customers including the Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC), the Missile Defense Agency, and other civil customers (e.g. NASA). We are looking for a Guidance & Navigation Section Manager to provide technical leadership, mentoring, and career guidance for members of the section. 

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines (4) regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Promote the use and application of advanced guidance and navigation techniques and software for analysis and anomaly resolution.

• Foster the creation and use of new tools to sustain and advance section expertise

• Provides task planning, schedule, and labor estimates for proposed technical work assignments. Advises supervision of resources needs and capabilities. Provides inputs for budgetary planning.

• Participate in day-to-day technical activities and task accomplishments. Monitor and evaluate processes, techniques, and performance. Reviews documentation and delivery of services.

• Work closely with customer to coordinate tasking, report progress, resolve technical issues, and assure project success. Initiates and coordinates exchanges of technical information with other work groups and organizations.

• Prepares written and oral reports of organization’s activities, issues, and accomplishments to higher management, subordinates, and teaming organizations.

• Recommends staffing needs, reassignments, transfers, and terminations. Recommends and assists evaluation of potential staff additions. Conducts performance reviews, recommends performance improvements, career development, and promotional actions.

• Implements policies, practices, and operating processes and recommends changes and improvements to supervision. Responsible for compliance with security monitoring, processes, and recommendations.

• Participates in inter-organizational team assignments and educational activities.

• Identifies opportunities for additional, expanded, and new business. Assists higher management in the evaluation and pursuit of new business opportunities.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Manager -Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering include:

• Bachelor's of Science degree in a STEM field or equivalent is required

• 5 or more years of applicable professional experience is required

• Applying Guidance, Navigation, and Control theory is required

• Experience modeling and simulating subsystems, mechanisms, and flying vehicles in a dynamic environment

• Working knowledge in guidance and navigation design and analysis techniques for launch vehicles and/or missile systems

• Experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with all levels of customers and corporate staff

• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 5% (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 is preferred

• 8 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience is a plus

• Interest in applying advanced analysis techniques and modern methodologies to flight control system design is highly desirable

• Overall experience in GN&C systems integration, testing, and operations, including Day-of-Launch activities 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 - Max)

$134,200 - $201,300

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.