Systems Director - Architecture Engineering

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 (NSG) serves as the technical adviser to a National Security Space customer and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch. 

The Architecture Engineering (AE) Sub-Division of Systems Engineering and Launch (SELD) leads Aerospace support to enterprise modeling, simulation and analysis portfolio of a major intelligence agency. AE is looking for a Systems Director (Systems Director - Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering) leading a cadre of engineers and scientists to study, develop, demonstrate and execute current and next generation of space modeling and analysis for National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). In this role you will advise customers on enterprise level critical M&S advancement of technologies spanning cross-phenomenology overhead intelligence systems, data transport, resiliency and security, and acquisition. This is a unique opportunity to work across the customer technical enterprise, leveraging the Physical Sciences Laboratory and the Engineering Technology Group expertise at Aerospace.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Chantilly, VA. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Build and lead a team of Aerospace personnel shaping how the IC customer builds and fosters enterprise analysis capability. 
• Cultivate and maintain interagency relationships with government, FFRDC, SETA, and industry partners to ensure cohesive communication channels. 
• Provide timely, strategic communications to senior leaders on analytical enterprise integration issues, potential risks, and opportunities. 
• Function effectively in a fast-paced environment tackling ambiguous problems with creativity and initiative. 
• Lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely and impactful integration of recommendations for impactful decision making.

• Conduct independent and collaborative deep dives, trade studies, and assessments to properly design and execute modeling and simulation proposals

• Leverage in-house and commercial- and government-off-the-shelf engineering analysis tools to deliver technical insights through analytical deep dives, trade studies, and assessments in department focus areas  

• Contribute to the development of analysis software tools and actively pursuing opportunities to enhance and improve existing simulation and analysis capabilities

• Develop and present timely and technically accurate presentations and reports that clearly communicate analysis results and provide recommended solutions to technical leads, management, and customers 

What You Need to be Successful 
Minimum Requirements Systems Director - Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering: 

• Bachelor’s OR Advanced degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or a related technical field from an accredited institution. 
• 12 or more years of progressively responsible technical experience in space systems, programs, and systems engineering or acquisition. 
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex, multi-disciplinary environments and thrive in fast-paced, dynamic settings. 
• Familiarity with Modeling and Simulation of multi-phenomenology of space assets that encompasses end to end collection, fusion and product development.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex analytical results to senior leadership. 
• This position requires a current Top Secret/ SCI clearance and polygraph, which are 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 the following 

• Advanced degree in a relevant technical field. 
• Extensive knowledge of IC customer space environment and model the environment to achieve the desired outcome to support acquisition decisions. 
• Prior experience with leading analysis teams looking at complex issues spanning different customers with different equities. 
• Demonstrated example of building a team to deliver increasing impact to a customer set. 
• Experience facilitating cross-organizational collaboration. 
• Working knowledge of Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) organizations, tools, skills, and capabilities 
• 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.