Servicing, Mobility and Logistics (SML) Systems Director

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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The Systems Director for the Servicing, Mobility and Logistics (SML) Department will support the Space Access SML Program Office (System Delta 80/AL) in areas of on-orbit servicing, point-to-point transportation, dynamic space operations, augmented maneuver, and related Launch and Range logistics architecture, in coordination with senior Space Force, NRO, and DoW leadership. The selected individual will have the responsibility to staff, plan, budget, and manage the Aerospace SML team. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape this developing mission area, directly influencing how the US military operates in the rapidly evolving contested space environment.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in FL.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Act as a primary interface with the Space Force Director of Servicing, Mobility and Logistics (SYD80/AL) of the Space Access program
• Provide technical and programmatic leadership to the Space Access, Mobility, and Logistics (SML) program office and for the SML prototype demonstration efforts
• Develop and maintain SML requirements, mission assurance standards, and onboarding framework for industry capabilities based on technical analyses and lessons learned
• Integrate and execute upcoming on-orbit servicing demonstration missions
• Develop point to point transportation (P2D) standards, architecture, and logistics
• Lead technical risk reduction activities for demonstration and operational missions
• Develop acquisition strategy and provide technical support to on-orbit servicing and P2D procurements
• Monitor and assess development of industry capabilities

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Systems Director  - Systems Engineering and Mission Assurance Engineering:

• B.S. in Engineering or related technical field
• 12 or more years of applicable experience in launch vehicle development and mission assurance, systems analysis, and launch operations
• Proven leadership ability to think outside of the box to evolve processes
• Experience working with SSC, launch vehicle and spacecraft contractors, and across Aerospace
• Demonstrated technical reputation and a track record of technical and managerial achievement and balancing technical details and broader programmatic issues
• Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize tasks
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced program office environment; an ability to adapt quickly to change and take initiative under pressure
• Familiarity with the LV-SV mission integration processes
• Current DoD Secret clearance, with ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
• Ability to support travel, as needed

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Current and active TS/SCI security clearance, issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Familiarity with SML mission areas in on-orbit servicing and P2D
• Extensive knowledge of mission assurance standards, systems engineering, and USSF program requirements
• Master’s or PhD degree in engineering, science or equivalent
• Demonstrates enterprise-level perspective with prior Program Office(s) and ETG experience

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.