Manager- Materials Science

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 Aerospace Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) is a diverse scientific organization that provides a broad and innovative research and development backplane for a growing space enterprise. PSL's impact is grown through a diverse research portfolio that blends foundational scientific research with cutting-edge technology development to serve a broad customer base. PSL's exclusive ability to work with all stakeholders: (government, industry, and academia) enables us to provide novel solutions to the most challenging issues in current and future technology applications. The strength of PSL comes from the combination of cutting-edge tools and facilities, a vast repository of space-system knowledge, and the extensive technical expertise of our people. We harness these tools and expertise in over 150 different laboratories to tackle the new challenges for the space enterprise.
The Materials Science Department in the Space Materials Laboratory at The Aerospace Corporation conducts anomaly resolution, materials characterization, failure analysis, and applied research in materials science, polymer chemistry, composites fabrication, additive manufacturing, nondestructive evaluation for space applications and provides technical support to national security space programs in these areas.
MSD is seeking a new Manager - Polymers/Composites section, which focuses on failure analysis, materials characterization, mechanical testing. The section's research and customer program support activities are well-established and supported by highly trained and accomplished staff. You will need to have in-depth knowledge of polymer structure-property relationships, understanding of most analytical techniques for polymer characterization, and hands-on mechanical testing experience of continuous fiber polymer matrix composites and prepreg systems. The candidate should be well versed in hands-on processing of composites, including having an understanding of key variables affecting both autoclave and vacuum only cured systems. The successful candidate will provide direction and coordination for activities of approximately 8 section members.
Work Model
This is an on-site position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.
What You'll Be Doing

• Lead Polymers/Composites Section of the Materials Science Department
• Develop and implement R&D and program support strategies.
• Provide guidance and justification for overhead and capital spending.
• Recommend staffing needs to leadership and participate in hiring.
• Oversee 8 staff career development, transfers, and terminations. Conduct performance reviews and promotional actions.
• Facilitate and actively engage with Metals Section and Nondestructive Evaluation Section colleagues on joint projects
• Being the technical lead with state-of-the-art skills in structure-property-performance of resins. Leads failure investigations that will require an advanced level proficiency of mechanical testing of continuous fiber composite materials.
• Understand the materials principles beyond stress and strain to include time and chemistry dependent phenomena such as fatigue, creep, relaxation, thermal/moisture expansion and aging of polymer and adhesives.
• Interface with Aerospace program office and industry to develop and assess design and analysis criteria, requirements, and specifications for launch and space vehicle hardware
• Understand customer problems and issues and turn them into tasks that can be supported by Aerospace capabilities at large, including cross Engineering Technology Group (ETG) and external company teaming.
• Fosters innovation by seeking independent funding/collaboration opportunities and serving as principal investigator of research activities, including grant proposal writing; prepare written and oral reports of research activities and accomplishments, and present to higher management, internal colleagues, and the broader scientific community

What You Need to be Successful - Manager - Materials Science
Minimum Requirements:

• PhD degree in STEM field is required
• 8 years of applicable professional and/or graduate educational experience in materials science or relevant fields is required
• Strong working knowledge of materials background in chemistry, materials science, polymer characterization, composite fabrication
• Experience with design and execution of polymers and composites mechanical testing
• Strong synthesis experience and supervised polymer synthesis for high temperature composites
• Experience in project or program leadership
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of customers and corporate staff
• Led teams to design and execute of polymers and composites mechanical testing
• Served as principal investigator of research and development on polymers and composites for launch or space vehicle applications
• Authored grant proposals and served as principal investigator on externally funded research grants and commercial contracts
• Experienced managing technical projects and cross-organizational teams
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically/internationally approximately 20%
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD 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:

• 12 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience is highly desirable
• Functional management experience would be greatly beneficial
• Demonstrated success in winning internal research funds, commercial contracts, or external grants
• Experience in Program support on issues regarding current or emerging space/launch technologies is strongly desired.
• Lead change, serve as a role model, and mentor early career staff and be a true force multiplier
• A current and active Secret or TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

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)
$134,200 - $201,300
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 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.