Director - Digital Communications Implementation Department (DCID)

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, Intelligence Community, and civil 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 Digital Communications Implementation Department (DCID) is a high-performing team that leverages cutting-edge software-defined radios and processing platforms such as FPGA, GPU, and cloud technologies to develop advanced communication and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) system prototypes. These prototypes address our customers' most challenging problems in the rapidly evolving landscape of satellite communication signals. Additionally, DCID uses its expertise to support customers in acquiring and developing next-generation communication and navigation systems, while assisting the industry in implementing cutting-edge technology.

We are seeking a highly motivated Director to lead this department. As Director, you will provide both organizational and technical leadership to the team, foster internal and external technical collaborations, and establish new business opportunities with U.S. government, civil, and commercial customers. Your leadership will have a direct impact on several new high-visibility project initiatives. If all of the above sounds exciting to you, we invite you to join us!

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide leadership to a multidisciplinary team dedicated to offering technical expertise in digital communication, PNT, and mission payload development

• Implement high-impact strategies that exceed customer needs, foster innovation, and transfer transformative solutions to operational programs

• Drive the future of the department by recruiting and developing top engineering talent and expanding technical capabilities to ensure the team stays at the forefront of the communications and PNT

• Identify and capture new business opportunities that position the organization as an industry leader

• Build and lead high-impact cross-functional teams, aligning expertise with project needs and driving collaborative solutions

• Partner with fellow directors in the Mission Payloads Division to shape a cohesive team strategy, align technical efforts, and share best practices

• Oversee and optimize budgets to ensure efficient resource allocation, cost-effectiveness, and operational excellence across several labs and a mobile test vehicle managed by DCID

• Cultivate a high-performing team by setting clear expectations, providing continuous feedback, and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or other area relevant to the organization’s core expertise including Digital Signal Processing, Wireless Communications, hardware implementation, and/or Embedded Systems

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible engineering experience in relevant fields, or a minimum of 7 years of progressive engineering experience including prior people management experience

• Strong technical leadership skills with a proven track record of leading and building teams

• Strong project management skills with demonstrated experience guiding prototyping or deliverable hardware developments

• Experience managing laboratory infrastructure and associated responsibilities such as financial planning, equipment calibration, and maintenance

• Demonstrated ability to guide teams in a dynamic environment, adapting to shifting priorities, and ensuring alignment with customer needs

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with corporate leadership, customers, and staff

• Effective mentorship, career development, and interpersonal skills toward subordinates

• Commitment to maintaining a customer-focused approach, navigating challenges with creativity and collaboration, and communicating clearly and effectively across various formats and audiences.

• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

• Willingness to travel domestically approximately 10 – 15%

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in a STEM-related field

• Twelve or more years related experience in digital communication and signal processing for Comm or PNT applications

• Demonstrated success in transitioning internal research and development projects to operational environments

• Active SAP access for DoD programs

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)

$185,100 - $277,600

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.