Systems Director - GEOINT Research, Development, and Analysis Portfolio

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.

The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, systems engineering and launch. 

Aerospace is seeking an agile, motivated leader to serve as the Systems Director for our support to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Research & Development, and Analysis portfolio (Systems Director - Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering). NGA’s  Research and Development component conducts basic research in geospatial science across advanced analytics and modeling, data management, modern software engineering, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). NGA’s Analysis component analyzes GEOINT data and provides insights to National Security Decision Makers (NSDM), the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community and first responders.  This position manages all Aerospace technical and policy advice and support to senior officials within these two critical NGA components

Work Model

This full-time position requires 100% on site work and is located on site with the customer in Springfield, VA. Occasional travel to Aerospace locations in Chantilly, VA and other domestic locations is expected.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Serve as the primary Aerospace interface for our work within NGA’s R&D, and Analysis portfolio.
• Develop and execute the portfolio strategy, by aligning the workforce and technical capabilities to deliver mission value.
• Lead projects that have significant enterprise-wide impact, while building trusted relationships and exemplifying Aerospace’s values and professionalism.
• Build and maintain relationships with other intelligence community and national security organizations, and facilitate the exchange of information and analysis
• Collaborate with other Aerospace Program Offices, Project West Wing and the Engineering & Technology Group to proactively meet customer requirements with comprehensive technical expertise and the application of analytical tools.
• Identify and follow through on opportunities to inject Aerospace innovation and technology in support of customer needs.
• Report the organization’s activities, fiscal and programmatic progress and achievements through written and oral reports.
• Conduct staff performance reviews and recommend performance improvement, career development, salary and promotion actions; establish staffing needs and recommend reassignments, training, transfers, and other staff deployments; assist other supervisors in evaluation and assignment of staff.

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements for the Systems Director - Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering:

• Extensive experience managing an organization, a record of engagement at senior levels of the government, and the ability to operate in a large, complex, matrixed, and dynamic organizational context
• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, mathematics, or other relevant subjects.
• 10 years of progressively more responsible experience in engineering or other technical roles.
• Agility and ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced customer environment with a high degree of uncertainty.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, organizational and planning skills along with strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build strong teams to meet customer needs.
• Demonstrate a motivated, positive, and success-driven approach to tackle fast-pace and dynamic challenges.
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph, which is issued by the US 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:

• An advanced degree in science, engineering, or mathematics.
• Direct experience within the IC or DoD, especially in the areas of space systems research and development, mission needs and requirements development.
• Experience with intelligence analysis including a demonstrated ability to analyze a wide variety of data and the skills to write clear and concise intelligence products.
• Experience with supporting an IC/DoD program office and facilitating reach back to obtain and coordinate technical support from the Aerospace Engineering & Technology Group and other Aerospace Program Offices.
• Understanding of the Aerospace role and the guidelines for appropriate use of an FFRDC.
• Skill in conducting unbiased complex research, identifying appropriate classified systems/data sources, and leveraging intelligence community capabilities in support of customers.
• Understanding of the national security and defense environment including people, organizations, infrastructure, and capabilities, especially organizations that produce intelligence.
• Experience moving solutions into operations.

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 various 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 employer. 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.