Manager - Autonomous Systems Engineering

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.  

Vehicle Engineering and Autonomy is part of the Vehicle Systems Division, the premier satellite and launch vehicle technical organization within the Aerospace Corporation. Vehicle Engineering and Autonomy is responsible for advanced autonomy for space systems. Our team is seeking an experienced Manager - Autonomous Systems Engineering (Manager- Multi-Disciplinary Engineering) to help manage the leading edge of research and integration of autonomous systems. 

Work Model 

This is a full-time position offering a hybrid work model, with up to (1) day per week remote flexibility, on average, and/or as the business needs allow based in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Lead a team of early career engineers to foster their technical growth and advance the state of autonomous systems 

• Provide technical contributions to advanced autonomy at Aerospace as an individual contributor 

• Execute analytical and testing capabilities to meet the needs of highly autonomous systems 

• Work closely with senior staff and the Vehicle Engineering and Autonomy (VE&A) management team to help customers to identify their autonomy needs and foster lasting relationships that support the entire design and operational life cycle of critical space systems 

• Establishing VE&A subject matter expertise by applying relevant engineering and analytical skills 

• Provide direct technical support to a variety of space programs with a focus on autonomy, modeling, simulation, and analysis 

• Support ongoing research into Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) development for testing satellite systems, especially those incorporating artificial intelligence into their architecture 

• Foster an innovative culture among the team members 

• Engage in cross- Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) collaboration to achieve optimal solutions 

What You Need to be Successful - Manager - Autonomous Systems Engineering (Manager- Multi-Disciplinary Engineering) 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field is required

• A minimum of (5) years of experience in space vehicles is required 

• Knowledge with electro-mechanical engineering principals is required 

• Familiarity with at least one spacecraft discipline, dynamics, control, or artificial intelligence is needed for the role

• Experience with technical teams to solve complex problems and identify analytical or testing verification processes 

• Sound communication skills with an ability to explain complex technical issues, activities, architectures and designs, and operations to staff and customers with limited engineering background 

• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment on multiple projects 

• Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs (domestically/internationally) 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 

How You Can Stand Out  

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

• Advanced degree or experience in autonomous systems is strongly preferred

• Vehicle or subsystem simulation and test experience is highly desirable

• Experience with hardware-software interfacing and communications, or embedded systems is preferable

• Prior technical leadership experience is strongly favored

• A current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.