Director, Structures Department

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.  

As the Director, Structures Department (Aeronautical Engineering and Aerospace Structural Engineering), you will lead a team that solves challenging problems in structures-related disciplines including finite element analysis, concept evaluation, structural integrity verification, component and durability analysis, hardware acceptance, risk assessment, and mission support. The Structures team also works closely with other departments within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision and Vehicle Systems Division to identify methodological improvements, improve physics-based modeling capabilities, and provide decision-quality information on risks and opportunities across the mission lifecycle for a diverse array of government and commercial customers. 

Work Model 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Lead a team of technical staff and managers responsible for delivering solutions to customers and end users in the areas of structural design, analysis, and testing  

• Survey processes, products, and data flows, identify high-information nodes and friction points, and lead the development of innovative tools to improve connectivity, resilience, and speed of department processes and products 

• Engage across functional departments to identify complex problems, communicate challenges, and coordinate products and solutions 

• Develop and manage relationships with internal and external customers and contractors to maintain and enhance the department’s impact, visibility, and reputation 

• Manage department functions including hiring staff, aligning tasks with skillsets and growth areas, enforcing corporate policies and practices, conducting performance appraisals, reporting significant progress and challenges to leadership, and recognizing outstanding performance and growth 

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements for the Director, Structures Department (Aeronautical Engineering and Aerospace Structural Engineering): 

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, physics, or a related field in engineering or science is required 

• A minimum of (10) years of experience in aerospace structural engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field is required 

• Substantial experience in a managerial role with proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of contractors, customers, and corporate staff 

• Experience with Aerospace and government customer organizational structure, leadership, and technical points of contact 

• Willingness to occasionally travel and/or work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 15% (as required) 

• This position requires a current and active Top Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain higher level clearances such as SCI and/or SAP accesses, 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: 

• Advanced degree in mechanical or aerospace structural engineering is strongly preferred 

• A history of leading teams that deliver impactful technical outcomes in structures-related disciplines, including finite element analysis, concept evaluation, structural integrity verification, hardware acceptance, risk assessment, day-of-launch mission support, and others is highly desired 

• Prior Aerospace program office and/or technical team management experience, including managing managers and senior engineering staff is preferred 

• Demonstrated ability to sustain engagement with universities and/or other technical partnership organizations