The Aerospace Corporation

Director, Mechanical Systems Department

El Segundo, CA, United States

$168-252k

Full Time

22 minutes ago

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Job description

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.

As the Director of the Mechanical Systems Department (Aeronautical Engineering and Aerospace Structural Engineering), you will lead a team that solves challenging mechanical engineering problems for aerospace systems in areas including deployment and separation mechanisms, ordnance devices, reaction and momentum wheels, valves, and actuators. The Mechanical Systems team 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

This is a full-time position, nominally based in El Segundo, CA with consideration in Chantilly, VA will offer a hybrid work model that combines (4) regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

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 deployment and separation mechanisms, ordnance devices, reaction and momentum wheels, valves, and actuators
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, Mechanical Systems Department (Aeronautical Engineering and Aerospace Structural Engineering)

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace 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 engineering
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

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.