General Manager, Physical Sciences Laboratories Division

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 Aerospace Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) is a diverse scientific organization that provides a broad and innovative research and development backplane for a growing space enterprise.  PSL’s impact is grown through a diverse research portfolio that blends foundational scientific research with cutting-edge technology development to serve a broad customer base. PSL’s exclusive ability to work with all stakeholders: (government, industry, and academia) enables us to provide novel solutions to the most challenging issues in current and future technology applications. The strength of PSL comes from the combination of cutting-edge tools and facilities, a vast repository of space-system knowledge, and the extensive technical expertise of our people. We harness these tools and expertise in over 150 different laboratories to tackle the new challenges for the space enterprise. 

An exciting opportunity awaits a new strategic leader and General Manager of the Physical Sciences Laboratories, one of the nation’s most impactful space-focused laboratory organizations.  The new GM will ensure the organization’s capabilities align with the rapidly changing space enterprise, advancing space innovation, R&D, and collaboration across Aerospace, the national security space customer base, and the larger world-wide research community.  You will be responsible for leading a diverse and motivated 250+ member team of research scientists and engineers with an $80M+ budget, operating world class laboratories, research portfolio, and national/international collaborations. 

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

As an innovative and creative leader, you will oversee the strategic vision and laboratory operations, focused on building impactful R&D products in partnership with the larger Aerospace engineering and prototyping organizations. Collaborative research areas include, but not limited to:

• Advanced concepts in remote sensing applications, space domain awareness, space radiation environment/prediction

• Technology development in advanced microelectronics and radiation hardness, chemical and electric propulsion, energy generation and storage, extreme-environment material science, photonics and laser applications, atomic time keeping, and resilient and survivable materials

• World class research laboratories and test facilities in joint-partnership with other Aerospace engineering divisions and universities

• Growing number of multi-disciplinary research teams integrating experimental research and modeling/simulation for new capability provided across the national security, civil, and commercial space community.

Responsibilities will include:

• Driving the PSL organizational vision, strategy, and implementation planning across many different disciplines and research fields

• Facilitating department-level strategic plans and road mapping for increasing research impact, advancing adoption of new space technology, and leveraging internal investment for measurable benefit

• Driving effective and efficient processes in managing the overall laboratory operations, that includes financial, personnel, safety, and operational imperatives

• Growing research portfolio through coordinated customer development, grant and proposal processes, and contract execution with multi-party teams and multiple stakeholders

• Advancing the organizational culture and personally engaging with staff to inspire, develop, mentor, and shape the diverse PSL workforce within an inclusive and highly collaborative environment

What You Need to be Successful - General Manager

Minimum Requirements:

• Advanced Degree in science, engineering, or related technical discipline is required

• Twelve or more years of relevant experience in physical science, experimental laboratory research and/or hands-on engineering innovation is required

• Proven technical, executive, and people management skills across strategic planning, budget development and execution, and the hiring, development, and retention of diverse, high-performing talent

• Demonstrated success in building and leading integrated, multidisciplinary teams with a solution-oriented mindset for cross-customer impact

• World-class communication strengths including verbal, visual, and written skills with ability to interpret the most complex science innovations toward technical and non-technical audiences

• Deep understanding and passion for the mission and a growth mindset to shape future opportunities across our customers

• Direct experience with business development, project management, and grants/proposal processes

• Experience in safety processes and procedures in building a “Safety First” culture

• Willingness to occasionally travel domestically/internationally to support customer needs, approximately 10-20% (as required)

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI and higher-level 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:

• Strong proficiency with technology transfer, commercial innovation processes, and intellectual property (IP) strategy development

• Demonstrated success in taking conceptual laboratory research through the R&D lifecycle to innovative product development and customer/market adoption

• Firsthand experience working outside the status-quo to manage multi-faceted operational budgets and developing innovative processes for improved efficiency with support organizations

• Ability to think across technical and organizational boundaries and find unique opportunities for innovation at the intersections of distinct fields or disciplines

• Direct experience with effectively leading organizational change in the face of ambiguity

• Specific knowledge and experience working directly with National Security Space customers

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)

$260,000 - $340,000

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.