Engineering Manager (Launch Mechanisms – Aeronautical & Mechanical Engineering)

El Segundo, CA, United States

$134-201k

Full Time

an hour ago

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; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.  

The Mechanical Systems Department (MSD) is seeking an Engineering Manager (Launch Mechanisms – Aeronautical & Mechanical Engineering). MSD offers a diverse range of capabilities that enable and support the effective implementation of technical and programmatic mission assurance activities on space systems, launch systems, and related systems. MSD staff support all program phases beginning with pre-contract evaluations, design and development activities followed by build, test, and pedigree review, launch, initialization, and operations events. MSD is the ETG source of expertise in moving mechanical assemblies (MMAs), ordnance driven devices, other explosive applications, separation systems and analyses, ball bearings, gears, valves, component mass properties, hypervelocity impact analyses, related technologies, and exploitation of our knowledge and tools in solving non-traditional and emerging problems.

Work Model 

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA that combines 4 to 5 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

  • Plan and lead technical projects and evaluations for launch and missile systems and other customers related to moving mechanical assemblies and launch systems separation events 

  • Identify, select, and assign engineering personnel, monitor quality of work, report progress, resolve significant technical issues, and assure project success 

  • Cultivate and maintain strong and effective working relationships with other Aerospace organizations, government partners, and contractors 

  • Develop and execute strategic planning to establish and improve the organization's technical capabilities, analysis tools, standards, and documentation 

  • Set and manage expectations to inspire staff with technical excellence and product delivery 

  • Conduct staff performance assessments and direct career development, training, and establish staffing needs to meet department goals 

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Manager (Launch Mechanisms – Aeronautical & Mechanical Engineering) include: 

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

  • 5 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience is required 

  • Demonstrated strong engineering skills and knowledge with respect to launch vehicles and/or missile systems 

  • Proven technical leadership and strong interpersonal skills required for interacting with Aerospace peers, internal and external customers, and contractor representatives 

  • Ability to manage and meet administrative, budgetary, and technical requirements 

  • Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically/internationally approximately 10% if 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 is strongly preferred

  • Technical and programmatic experience across program phases from pre-contract evaluation, design and development activities followed by build, test, and launch events 

  • Experience with the design, integration, and testing related to a broad range of hardware typical of launch vehicles, missile systems, and spacecraft including separation systems, bearings, gear trains, turbomachinery, and valves 

  • Experience with rigid body and/or flexible multi-body dynamics and common simulation tools used for related analysis (e.g., MSC ADAMS) 

  • Experience using and developing software and scripts for Windows, and Linux systems 

  • Knowledge of AIAA-S-114, AIAA-S-113, SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5017A standards 

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)

$134,200 - $201,300

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.

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