Principal Director - Proliferated Systems

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.

The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

Imagery Programs Division’s (IPD) Reconnaissance Systems (RS) Office is looking for a Principal Director to guide and grow Aerospace engagement in multiple major proliferated systems acquisitions. This role will develop and implement a long-term vision for mission and customer support in this exciting and growing area, adapt Aerospace mission assurance practices to meet fast-moving program needs, and work across an end-to-end enterprise with multiple end users. Additionally, as a Principal Director, you’ll serve as a corporate steward helping to shape the technical leadership of the corporation, as well as mentoring the next generation of engineers.

This position requires 100% on-site work in Chantilly, VA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting government in the operations of a non-traditional organization
• Developing and implementing a long-term vision for mission and customer support for a national space proliferated space architecture
• Anticipating future needs, establishing organizational objectives to achieve them, and managing, mentoring, and growing staff through changes
• Planning, communicating, and coordinating Aerospace tailored mission assurance scope consistent with customer risk expectations
• Leading Aerospace management team in budget and resource planning and allocation, and communicate planning and allocation with management, subordinates, and customer through written and oral reports
• Coordinating activities with Aerospace counterparts across the Enterprise in common program needs
• Building trust with the with government customer to position Aerospace to inform and advise on customer decisions
• Working closely with SETA counterpart in meeting customer and mission needs
• Serving on corporate technical committees to lead Aerospace initiatives

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s OR Advanced degree in a relevant engineering, mathematics or science field
• A minimum of 15 years’ space system acquisition experience that includes managerial and technical leadership
• Broad background in end-to-end space systems including space and ground segment development, fielding, and operations
• Understanding of and experience working with a matrixed engineering organization
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with customer and function in mixed teams comprising customer, contractor, and SETA personnel.
• Willing to support frequent travel (up to 1-2 weeks per month)
• Proven experience as a people leader
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, 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 relevant engineering, mathematics, or science field
• Experience with personnel and project management, team-building, allocating resources, and mentoring
• Experience with distributed spacecraft architectures, National Space Systems, and their associated missions
• Strong background in space system engineering and working across enterprise interfaces
• Demonstrated initiative and leadership without direct management oversight
• Extensive familiarity with proliferated customer, mission, and novel acquisition approaches
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated customer-oriented perspective with outstanding skills in facilitating exchanges between technical staff and the customer
• Broad familiarity with Aerospace organization and resources
• History of working in a high-paced team environment

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)

$208,000.00 - $312,000.00

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.