Director,  Propulsion Science Department

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. 

We are seeking an energetic leader for the Director, Propulsion Science Department (PSD) to lead unique R&D in the fields of Chemical/Electric Propulsion and Plasma Science. S/he will develop and execute new strategies for integrated research and collaboration across academia, civil, DoD/IC, and industry. The Director will leverage new corporate investments in both Chemical and Plasma test capabilities. You will work across multiple internal and external organizations to grow, develop, and manage new business opportunities, and lead staff development and organizational improvements to support world-class research and development within the Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL).

Work Model 

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop and lead the execution of integrated strategies in areas of Propulsion and Plasma Science across a diverse cutting edge Research Line portfolio as they relate to PSL, The Aerospace Corporation, and customers (Civil, DoD/IC)

• Collaborate across PSL, The Aerospace Corporation (from facilities, across divisions, with facilities, etc.), customers, industry, and academia to develop and deliver products and services

• Grow staff, capability, and expertise toward new strategic visions and customer demands

• Continually improve quality and efficiency

• Effectively communicate and execute corporate policies, procedures, vision, philosophies, performance development and compensation, safety, timecards, training, and guidelines

What You Need to be Successful - Director, Propulsion Science Department

Minimum Requirements: 

• Master’s degree in a STEM field is required

• (12) or more years of progressively responsible professional engineering/scientific research experience is required

• Technical experience in one or more of the following research topic areas: Chemical Propulsion, Electric Propulsion, Plasma Physics

• Proven ability in establishing business goals and strategies

• Experience leading a diverse organization of scientists and engineers

• Develop and lead interdisciplinary teams and build consensus on complex problems

• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)

• This position requires an active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain a SSBI, 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: 

• PhD degree in a STEM field is highly preferred

• Demonstrated success working in a dynamic environment with multiple research focus areas

• Experience supporting National Security Space programs is strongly desired

• Ability to develop new business and support customers

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

• Expertise across technical and organizational boundaries and finding unique opportunities for innovation at the intersections of distinct fields or disciplines

• Technical subject matter expertise in the following research topic areas include, but are not limited to: large and small Chemical Propulsion, Electric Propulsion and Plasma Physics

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

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.