Flight Controls Manager 

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.  

The Guidance & Navigation Section provides support for launch vehicle, missile systems, and missile defense systems for a wide range of customers including the Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC), the Missile Defense Agency, and other civil customers (e.g. NASA). We are looking for a Flight Controls Section Manager (Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer) to provide technical leadership, mentoring, and career guidance for members of the section. 

Work Model 

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

What You’ll Be Doing  

• You will promote the use and application of advanced flight control techniques for analysis and simulation of GNC systems 

• You will foster the creation and use of new tools to sustain and advance section expertise 

• Provides task planning, schedule, and labor estimates for proposed technical work assignments. Advises supervision of resources needs and capabilities. Provides inputs for budgetary planning

• You will participate in day-to-day technical activities and task accomplishments. Monitor and evaluate processes, techniques, and performance

• Reviews documentation and delivery of services

• Works closely with customer to coordinate tasking, report progress, resolve technical issues, and assure project success. Initiates and coordinates exchanges of technical information with other work groups and organizations

• Prepares written and oral reports of organization’s activities, issues, and accomplishments to higher management, subordinates, and teaming organizations 

• Recommends staffing needs, reassignments, transfers, and terminations. Recommends and assists evaluation of potential staff additions. Conducts performance reviews, recommends performance improvements, career development, and promotional actions

• Implements policies, practices, and operating processes and recommends changes and improvements to supervision. Responsible for compliance with security monitoring, processes, and recommendations

• Participates in inter-organizational team assignments and educational activities

• Identifies opportunities for additional, expanded, and new business. Assists higher management in the evaluation and pursuit of new business opportunities

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent is required 

• A minimum of (5) years of applicable professional or educational experience is required 

• Experience applying Guidance, Navigation, and Control theory is required

• Experience modeling and simulating subsystems, mechanisms, and flying vehicles in a dynamic environment 

• Experience in control system design and analysis techniques for launch vehicles and/or missile systems 

• Experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with all levels of customers and corporate staff 

• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 5% (as required) 

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a 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: 

• Advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent is preferred 

• (12) or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience is a plus 

• Interest in applying advanced analysis techniques and modern methodologies to flight control system design is highly desirable 

• Overall experience in GN&C systems integration, testing, and operations, including Day-of-Launch activities is preferred