Chief Scientist - Electric Propulsion
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.
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Job Summary
Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL)has more than 100 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The diverse expertise of the laboratories' technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of and advance new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems.
As the Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) Chief Scientist - Electric Propulsion, you will be assisting in the development, acquisition, integration, and operation of next generation electric propulsion technologies for national security space assets. This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA.
What You'll Be Doing
- S/he will develop and lead national level investment strategy and R&D projects to facilitate the successful adoption of advanced electric propulsion technology on NSS missions and the development new mission opportunities enabled by technology developments. Advanced measurement and modeling tools will be developed and applied to enable rapid, cost-effective technology transition, develop future spacecraft electric propulsion technology roadmaps, and provide technical assessments of the issues and risks associated with the development, test and fielding of these technologies in the next generation of spacecraft.
- You will coordinate with colleagues, customers, matrix engineering organizations and Aerospace laboratory resources to assure sound technical direction is being pursued in support of the technologies associated with electric propulsion technologies.
- S/he will maintain networks with other program offices, engineering experts, and organizations across the national security space community
- You will also brief technical findings and recommendations to department colleagues, program offices, government, and Aerospace management
- This job is critical to the success of future NSS development and acquisitionmissions
- This position will require strategic vision, innovation, accountability, and people skills to plan, develop, coordinate, and deliver innovative solutions for our customers related to electric propulsion
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
- Advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent
- Typically (12) years of applicable professional or educational experience is required
- Experience with aspects of electric propulsion technologies, including experimental characterization, test, integration, anomaly resolution, and on-orbit operation.
- A strong technical background and experience in electric propulsion as it relates to, requirements development and design or development for one or more National Security Space systems
- Experience working in government customer-facing organizations
- Able to identify technical support requirements and work effectively with matrix organization to obtain required support
- This position requires a current and active Secret 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:
- You should have strong people management skills which includes: training, motivating and directing employees to optimize workplace productivity and promote professional growth
- A current and active TS/SSBI/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government is highly desirable. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
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 [email protected]. You can also review The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law andthe supplement, as well as thePay Transparency Policy Statement.