Mission Analysis and GN&C Systems Director

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 SpaceX and Blue Origin launch systems? This team will evaluate the certification progress and perform Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) in support of United States Space Force (USSF) 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. In this role you will manage and provide leadership for a team of project engineers supporting the execution of National Security Space Launches (NSSL) on the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch systems and certification activities for the New Glenn launch system. This team will provide leadership and expertise in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Day of Launch (DOL) Winds, Mission Design and Performance, and Flight Operations. It will ensure successful execution of National Security Space Launches (NSSL) missions and conduct non-recurring validation of new capabilities. 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, Blue Origin and their suppliers as well as other USG contractors), ETG, and other interested organizations (e.g. NRO and NASA).

What You'll Be Doing

• Provide direction, planning, and management of technical staff and activities associated with the Mission Design, Flight Control/Operations, Day of Launch winds, and GNC hardware/algorithms of the Falcon and New Glenn Launch Vehicles
• Assign resources, synchronize 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 identifying 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 mission risks
• Effectively communicate status of technical activities, issues, and accomplishments through reports and briefings to Aerospace, USSF, and contractor teams

What You Need to be Successful – Systems Director, Multidisciplinary Guidance Navigation & Control

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in an appropriate technical discipline from a recognized institution
• 12 years or more of progressively accountable relevant professional engineering/scientific managerial experience
• Proven experience with GNC or Mission analysis
• Experience leading team(s) comprised of diversely skilled engineers
• 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:

• Experience with Launch Vehicle GNC hardware and software
• Experience with development, investigation, and testing of Launch Vehicles for USAF/USSF missions
• Advanced degree in engineering or related field
• Knowledge and experience with Aerospace launch verification processes
• Experience with testing and/or analysis of launch vehicle systems
• Experience with systems engineering and verification of requirements
• Effective interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of customer and corporate staff

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)

$168,200 - $252,400

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.