The Aerospace Corporation

Director- Houston Regional Vehicle Systems Office

Johnson Space Center, TX, United States

Full Time

14 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.

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 Houston Regional Vehicle Systems Office will provide direct technical expertise to a variety of program offices, with a focus on enabling timely technical support and engagement with customers in the Houston area. The office will represent the parent Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) and collaborate with other ETG managers to develop and execute strategies aligned with Aerospace and customer objectives. These efforts will include support from ETG organizations across the nation to ensure that the highest quality results are provided to customers. 

As the Director- Multidisciplinary Engineer, you will provide management and leadership in these high priority growth areas and provide technical support to local and national customers within their area of technical expertise.

Work Model 

This is a full-time position based at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX, which requires 100% onsite work. 

What You’ll Be Doing

Represent and facilitate Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) technical capabilities to current and future program offices and customers in the Houston region
Define and pursue high value opportunities for additional, expanded, and new business, and collaborate with other ETG managers to develop and execute development and growth strategies aligned with Aerospace and customer objectives
Provide leadership in the development and local execution of the corporation’s National ETG strategy, with regular status to ETG senior management and close coordination with program office management teams
Actively communicate and coordinate with counterpart organizations, management, and customers to ensure timely, high-quality development and delivery of strategies, analyses, risk assessments and recommendations
Set organization structure, determine on-site technical expertise required, recruit high quality technical staff relevant to customer needs, and provide leadership, planning, direction, and managerial oversight to technical staff
Provide regional management and act as a resource and liaison for the support, collaboration, and overall cohesiveness of all ETG staff in the Houston region
Cultivate a sense of ETG community and develop an organizational culture that champions innovation, with specific focus on developing new approaches, techniques, and products consistent with an agile and growing organization
Execute the full range of day-to-day management tasks including monitoring staff workload and schedules, coordinating technical positions, hardware and software procurements, budget control, personnel management including development and mentoring, providing critical feedback, succession planning, salary and promotion actions, and quality control
Monitor and direct the organization's security processes, compliance, and safety awareness

What you need to be successful

Minimum requirements:

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent is required
(10) or more years of applicable professional industry experience is required
Demonstrated technical leadership in the design and development of vehicle subsystems or systems
Broad knowledge of the technical functions of the Engineering and Technology Group (ETG)
Proven track record of offering technical support in complex environments (multi-program, multi-agency) involving customers, program offices, engineering support, and contractors
Experience in a leadership role, with proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of program office, contractors, customers, and corporate staff
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for interactions with management, program offices, customers, contractors, and colleagues
You should have strong people management skills which includes: training, motivating and directing employees to optimize workplace productivity and promote professional growth
Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs, approximately 20% (as required)
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:

Advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent is strongly preferred
Demonstrated technical leadership with a strong background in one of the following areas: vehicle systems, propulsion systems, avionics, or software systems engineering
Prior management experience is strongly preferred to be successful in this role
Experience with Human Space Flight
Facility planning and procurement of hardware and software experience is preferred
Proven ability to interact with high level customer and Aerospace leadership
Demonstrated experience and interactions within ETG and Program Office or equivalent
A current secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government is strongly preferred. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

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.