Principal Director, Mission Payloads Division/Electronics Engineering Subdivision

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 the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), and commercial clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

The Electronics Engineering Subdivision (EES) within MPD provides technical leadership across a range of electronics topics, including Electrical Systems Engineering; Digital and Integrated Electronics; Power and Analog Electronics; Electromagnetic Environmental Effects; Radiation Survivability; Microelectronics/FPGAs/ASICs; Parts, Materials, and Processes. The subdivision is actively engaged in current and next generation payload and mission related fields, including electronics and system test, parts analysis and test, failure analysis, and hardware development and prototyping. EES is an agile technical subdivision comprised of 5 departments, over 90 staff, two modeling and simulation centers, and four laboratories.

Our team is seeking a motivated and high-energy Principal Director (PD) to lead the EES organization. The PD develops and implements organizational and investment strategies, in collaboration with other engineering subdivisions, program offices, and corporate stakeholders, to position the organization as an industry leader in electronics. The PD is accountable for overall leadership, organizational planning, staffing, staff development, operations and lab management, and fostering a productive and engaging work environment.

Work Model: This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires primarily onsite presence with occasional flexibility for telework.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead a large, multidisciplinary staff of engineers and scientists with department directors and laboratory management teams across a diverse portfolio electronics engineering and applied research

• Oversee laboratory operations and plan technology investment portfolio

• Ensure technical quality of staff and products and maintain subdivision reputation of deep technical expertise

• Develop and implementing organizational and investment strategies and goals, in conjunction with other subdivisions, that are aligned with corporate and customer objectives

• Engage across Aerospace’s program office and government stakeholders to identify opportunities to provide expertise on hard problems and facilitating organizational collaboration to address customer need

• Design staffing and succession plans to maintain a premier technical workforce, overseeing annual staff performance, development, compensation, succession planning, and career growth

• Manage financial activities (overhead, capital, internal investments, deliveries)

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or relevant technical discipline, with a minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience in technical leadership

• Demonstrated ability to build and lead teams in a changing environment, react quickly to changing requirements and schedules, and provide direction in an agile manner

• Strong communications skills, both verbal and written with a proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of customers and corporate staff

• Strong leadership, people management, and collaboration skills with the ability to lead and work outside your personal expertise to cultivate new ideas and collaborative strategies

• Experience in strategic planning and execution across a range of topics to including staffing, facilities, labs, and investment portfolios

• Previous personnel management experience and the ability to perform resource planning, staffing, mentoring, performance assessments, and other personnel management functions

• Familiarity with the Aerospace’s customer portfolios and operating models

• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance, 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: 

• Advanced degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or an appropriate technical discipline

• (15)+ years of relevant engineering or technical experience is preferred

• Prior experience managing and working with highly technical teams in the space industry

• A working knowledge of Aerospace engineering matrix support personnel and processes and experience managing Aerospace engineering matrix support and laboratory resources

• Direct experience in customer facing program office or prior experience in customer organization

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)

$149,012 - $340,071

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 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.