Director – Modeling & Simulation Software

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.

An exciting opportunity awaits a new leader of Aerospace’s Modeling and Simulation Computing Department (MSCD), a dynamic organization dedicated to ground-breaking software solutions and capabilities to provide decision quality data for government and commercial customers.  As an organization with national reach, MSCD works alongside subject matter experts in various disciplines to develop unique-in-the-world capabilities for modeling and simulation, spanning individual space systems through end-to-end space enterprise applications. 

Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers. 

Work Model 

• This is a full-time position based in El Segundo , Ca or  Chantilly, VA, which requires 100% onsite work. 

What you’ll be doing 

• Develop and execute organizational strategies aligned with corporate and customer objectives 

• Collaborate with customers and subject matter experts to project future customer needs and proactively acquire funding to develop capabilities to meet those needs 

• Assemble high functioning, diverse project teams to build nationally-recognized space modeling and simulation capabilities 

• Build a talented national organization through recruiting, hiring, and on-boarding new staff  

• Obtain, manage, and tailor work assignments to staff skillsets 

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with peer organizations, and a broad base of customers 

• Develop an organizational culture that promotes a welcoming, engaging, innovative work environment 

• Manage budgets and procure required hardware and software 

• Provide quality control to ensure that organizational products are of the highest quality 

• Provide written and verbal briefings and recommendations to senior Aerospace leadership 

• Evaluate staff performance and provide frequent, constructive feedback 

• Serve as an individual technical contributor and technical project lead as needed 

What you need to be successful 

Minimum requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM majors such as Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or related technical disciplines. 

• 10 or more years of progressively responsible professional engineering/scientific experience 

• Consistent track record of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with all levels of contractors, customers, management, and corporate staff 

• Strong technical reputation and track record of technical achievement 

• Experience with modern software development languages including C++ or Python 

• Technical breadth and demonstrated learning agility 

• Experience building and leading cross-organizational teams 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Demonstrated track record of developing people through mentoring and training 

• Experience in managing people and projects in at least one of the following domains: software development; DevOps; modeling & simulation 

• Ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. Government.  U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. 

• Ability to travel occasionally to domestic work locations or customer sites (< 20%) 

How you can stand out 

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

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or related subject area  

• Direct mission system experience in one of more of the following:  GEOINT, missile warning/missile tracking/missile defeat, satellite communications, command and control, PNT, launch systems, civil space systems (NASA, NOAA) 

• Modeling & simulation and/or analysis of multi-domain end-to-end effects chains 

• Experience architecting, developing, or using distributed simulation frameworks 

• Strong experience and understanding of additional modern software development languages (e.g., Java, Go, Rust), processes & workflows, computing platforms (on/off-prem, cloud/hybrid/multi-cloud, etc.), containerization principles and technologies, data operations 

• Experience with data science technology & applications (AI, ML, GAI) 

• Demonstrates enterprise-level perspective with prior Program Office(s) and ETG experience

• Active Top Secret or SCI clearance or current (<4 years old) Sole Source Background Investigation (SSBI) 

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)

$168,200.00 - $252,400.00

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.