Systems Director - Space-Based Missile Defense

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, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including Air Force Space Command, U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation.

The Special Programs Division supports a broad array of Combat Power missions covering the entire threat response chain which includes the multidomain effects needed for space superiority. These programs include major system acquisitions for multiple ground and space segments, future architecture definition at the data/software/hardware levels, and research and technology for continuous evolution of space warfighting capabilities. The Space-Based Interceptor (SBI) Program Office seeks to develop and deploy a proliferated constellation of space-based interceptors capable of boost-phase engagement of adversary missiles. The SBI interceptors will employ multiple common elements that integrate with a larger layered missile defense system.

We are looking for a Systems Director (Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering) to lead the team that directly advises the government SBI Program Office on the development of this novel missile defense capability.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Building and leading a dynamic team that provides technical expertise to the government Space-Based Interceptor Program Office (SBI PO)
• Exemplify Aerospace corporate values of objectivity and integrity when serving as a trusted agent to the Material Leader of the SBI PO and senior government customers
• Enabling direct reports to lead efforts to bring impactful technical expertise to the government and industry from SMEs across the corporation
• Collaborating effectively with the broader layered defense architecture team and external stakeholders
• Establishing a collaborative work environment that fosters a culture of innovation within the team to facilitate novel acquisition approaches for rapid capability development
• Defining the organization’s objectives and communicating them to subordinates, management, and interfacing matrix organizations to ensure alignment, clarity, and coordinated efforts towards achieving strategic goals and successful program execution.

What You Need to be Successful – Systems Director – Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent is required
• 12 or more years of relevant professional or educational experience is required
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills for interactions at all levels of corporate and government leadership
• Proven leadership ability to operate strategically, including leading teams contributing to strategic objectives
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across organizations and manage competing priorities
• Track record of delivering results through effective delegation while holding oneself accountable for results
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI 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:

• Demonstrated experience in space systems engineering, missile defense technologies, and/or satellite operations
• Proven track record of creating and leading multidisciplinary teams in high-stakes environments
• Demonstration of excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with government agencies, industry partners, and contractors are necessary for maintaining strong relationships and ensuring alignment among all parties
• Knowledge of rigorous testing and evaluation processes, including on-orbit demonstrations and live-fire tests
• Experience with novel approaches in rapid capability development and deployment
• Demonstrated management skills including budgeting, staff development, and strategic planning
• Knowledge of Aerospace practices and policies relevant to department leadership

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.