Solution Accelerator Department 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.

The Solution Accelerator is a new, transformative initiative within the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO). Its mission is to deliver independent, innovative solutions to customer hard problems with speed and national impact. The Solution Accelerator will achieve these goals through proactive problems solving, risk-taking for breakthroughs, and agile operations. By bringing the unique capabilities of the Aerospace Corporation, Solution Accelerator can anticipate and respond to mission challenges across the space enterprise to create actionable results for customers.

As the Solution Accelerator Formulation Department Director, you will lead the staff and investment portfolio associated with exploring challenges facing the nation’s space enterprise and formulating transformative solutions for further development and delivery to customers.   

What You’ll be doing

• Lead the strategic development and execution for multiple R&D projects spanning problem definition, clearly defined impact, solution design and technology transition

• Understand and develop strategies across our customers and internal Aerospace priorities to support development of clearly scoped problem statements based on the root cause issues

• Working across internal and external sources to understand the landscape of available and near-term solutions in the problem space to find unique opportunities for Aerospace to deliver value

• Work with senior management on communicating the value of Aerospace technical products and activities

• Lead and mentor corporation staff to adopt and implement innovation and collaboration processes

• Leading transition activities for technologies, techniques, and products developed within the Solution Accelerator portfolio

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

What You Need to be Successful – Department Director

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related STEM Field

• Twelve or more years of related experience, including some aspects of space (e.g., satellite or instrument fabrication, integration, test, launch, operations; ground-based SOSI; etc.)

• Experience with creating, supporting and leading technical study teams examining topics

• Proven ability to identify and design innovative technology solutions to customer needs

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers

• This position requires an active TS/SCI and the ability to obtain SAP accesses, which is issued by the US government.  US 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 Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related STEM Field.  

• Work in the operational use of space systems for civil, commercial and/or DoD missions.

• Experience with research and development or innovation projects.

• Capability to manage/oversee operation and execute budgets for $5-10M annual revenue to deliver impactful designs/prototypes to multiple internal and external customers

• Track record of effectively leading, managing, and directing resources and overall operations of multi-disciplinary teams

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.