Senior Administrative Assistant

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 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. 

We are seeking a driven and confident Senior Administrative Assistant, who provides strategic support to the General Manager and their team. As an integral member of the division’s management team and focal point for the division, the individual provides collaborative administrative leadership to ensure effective and efficient division operations.  This person contributes to key business-related decisions, resolves problems quickly, takes ownership of processes and procedures, and works closely with leaders, colleagues and customers across the enterprise to ensure the division runs smoothly and meets internal/external deadlines. 

Work Model

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Executes strategic, proactive, and complex calendar/meeting/event planning, management and conflict resolution 

• Arranges travel coordination, logistics, and expense reporting for leadership 

• Oversees coordination of employee support for the group/division/sub-division (on-boarding, timesheet administration/auditing, training requirements, supply/equipment orders) 

• Organizes and prioritizes critical issues and information for the leader(s) to facilitate efficient decision making​ 

• Coordinates special projects, tracks actions items and deliverables

• Coordinates division, corporate, and customer reports/deliverables/org charts (prepare/compile/edit/publish)​ 

• Act as a partner, representative, and point of contact for GM by working closely with and fostering connections with internal management, government customers, contractors, and external senior leaders​ 

• Provides input and feedback on GM/Division-level activities and decisions​, with follow-up communications and coordination  

• Improves and ensures effective processes/systems within the division that provide superior organization, efficiency and industry-lead technical best practices​ 

• Collaborates with admins within the group, division, subdivision, and across the corporation to achieve coverage and increase efficiency and consistency

• Leads by training and mentoring sub-division admins and is a role model by demonstrating professionalism, team collaboration, technical expertise, and leadership behavior that is consistent with the company's values​ 

• Organizes division specific activities such as offsites, coffee chats, etc. to provide a sense of belonging as we bring people back into the office.

What You Need to be Successful- Senior Administrative Assistant

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent is required

• Advanced administrative skills: project coordination, strategic execution of tasks, organization, detail-oriented, writing, and proofreading  

• Progressive technological fluency across a wide range of tools and platforms​ such as Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint and Excel and meeting tools such as Teams, Skype and Zoom 

• Strong communication & interpersonal skills: leadership, collaboration, strategic thinking, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, diplomatic, judgment, business acumen, and decision making, across all levels of the organization 

• Ability to rapidly adapt to changing environments and anticipate needs of the organization

• Competency to handle sensitive and personnel-related information appropriately and support sensitive management functions 

• Ability to work independently and/or cooperatively with a team to proactively deliver innovative solutions and resolve issues with minimal direction 

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret 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:

• Prior experience as a senior admin or similar role is preferred

• Familiarity with enterprise software packages such as Concur, Workday, JIRA, Confluence is strongly desired

• Familiarity with Aerospace corporate organizational structures, policies, processes, and practices is highly preferred

• Experience with classified data handling 

• A current Secret security clearance and ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SSBI/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government is highly 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)

$27.84 - $41.76

Pay Basis: Hourly

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.