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.
At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration - to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
Job Summary
The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.
The Vehicle Engineering Department is unique multi-disciplinary department within the Vehicle Systems Division that explores the holistic view of bringing satellites from paper to reality. The department collaborates with other VSD departments and other departments encompassing all engineering disciplines and program support for collaboration purposes. We have sections with expertise in the areas of mass and mechanical properties, assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) support, modeling and analysis of multidisciplinary systems. Our parent organization also includes advanced autonomy.
We are seeking an engineer who is inquisitive, motivated, has outstanding technical skills, and has uncompromising technical integrity and objectivity to contribute to our growing team as the Section Manager of the Vehicle Actualization Section. The Vehicle Actualization section has expertise in assembly, integration, and test and multi-disciplinary project management. In this role, the Section Manager works closely with the Vehicle Engineering Department Director to provide strategic leadership, planning, and direction of technical staff and operations within the Vehicle Actualization Section.
This is a full-time position which will follow a hybrid work model, based in Chantilly, VA or El Segundo, CA. Remote work may be considered for exceptionally strong candidates, however frequent access to an Aerospace SCIF is required.
What You'll Be Doing

• You will provide technical leadership, mentoring, and career guidance for the members of the Vehicle Actualization section
• Develop individual members of the section by increasing their technical abilities, key competencies, and knowledge of context through targeted work assignments, mentoring relationships, classes, and regular feedback
• Assist department director to address staffing needs, performance reviews, and other supervisory tasks
• You should have strong people management skills which includes: training, motivating and directing employees to optimize workplace productivity and promote professional growth
• Support the department mission of fostering a positive work culture that drives engagement from staff
• You will provide direct support for customer programs and projects
• You will participate in new business and technical planning efforts and may bring in tasks and projects beyond personal activities from internal and external sources
• You will be developing and enacting a strategic future for the Vehicle Actualization Section along with the Department Director and Senior staff

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent
• Typically, 5 or more years of progressively responsible professional engineering/scientific experience
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of contractors, customers, and peers
• Experience with Space and or Launch Vehicle systems
• Experience with the Assembly, Integration, and Test discipline
• Evidence of strong leadership abilities and skills to include, but not limited to strategic thinking, operational execution, command presence, organizational positioning, personal and interpersonal communication, and history of resolving issues / problems
• Experience writing technical reports and giving technical presentations
• Familiarity with Digital Engineering
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate work and processes across multiple disciplines and with program office customers
• Current and active TS/SCI clearance with Counterintelligence Polygraph

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• 10 or more years of progressively responsible professional engineering/scientific experience is preferred
• Advanced Engineering, Mathematics or Science degree is highly desirable
• Knowledge of satellite test standards and Aerospace mission assurance
• Knowledge of ETG capabilities and demonstrated interaction with ETG personnel
• Demonstrated ability provide innovative solutions and create a strategic vision
• Management experience covering staff supervision, task definition and execution, planning and goal development, the ability to direct administrative as well as technical personnel, and success interacting with diverse groups and individuals

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 - Mid - Max)
$105,000 - $140,000 - $185,000
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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 [email protected]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.