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.

We remain committed to maintaining a safe environment for hiring as we look forward to the future of work. Click here for information on Aerospace's COVID-19 directives and safety procedures implemented to keep our workplace safe.

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 new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems.

Aerospace is seeking an energetic and visionary Director for the Propulsion Science Department (PSD) to lead unique R&D in the fields of Chemical/Electric Propulsion and Plasma Science. This leader will develop and execute new strategies for integrated research and collaboration across academia, civil, DoD/IC, and industry. Leveraging new corporate investments in both chemical and plasma test capability, the Director will work across multiple internal and external organizations to grow, develop, and manage new business opportunities, and lead staff development and organizational improvements to support world-class research and development within the Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL). This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA.

About the Division and the Propulsion Space Department

At Aerospace, PSD scientists and engineers are developing the tools and technologies required for the next generation of space applications. Leading the community with truly state-of-the-art facilities, PSD performs innovative research and development in the fields of:

• Chemical Propulsion including:
  • Combustion and Kinetics Modeling
  • Green propulsion technologies
  • Propellant characterization
  • Propulsion system/component test and evaluation

• Plasma Applications including:
  • Electric Propulsion (Diagnostics, Test Processes, and Thruster Development)
  • RF plasma breakdown and Electro-static discharge in space applications

• Small Satellite Propulsion Applications including
  • Unique test capabilities for low thrust applications
  • System and component design and evaluation

PSD research is critical to inform current and next generation space architectures as well as bring new capabilities to industry and government customers.

What you will be doing

• Develop and lead the execution of integrated strategies in areas of propulsion and plasma science.
• Cultivate relationships with customers to facilitate understanding of existing and emerging challenges in their programs and develop R&D objectives around these challenges
• Grow staff, capability, and expertise toward new strategic visions and customer demands
• Provide organizational leadership to develop strategic vision and effectively communicate organizational and corporate-level directions to the entire department
• Manage a diverse portfolio of cutting-edge research matched to national security space programs and missions
• Work with customers and staff to develop product and delivery goals and commitments
• Work in tight collaboration with operational organizations such Project Management/Contract Office, Facilities, and Supply Chain
• You should have strong people management skills which includes: training, motivating and directing employees to optimize workplace productivity and promote professional growth

What you Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Master's degree in a STEM field or equivalent is required
• Typically, (12) or more years of progressively responsible professional engineering/scientific research experience
• Experience in one or more of the following research topic areas: Chemical propulsion, electric propulsion, plasma physics.
• Ability to technically engage with customers and collaborators on propulsion related issues
• Experience in establishing business goals and strategies
• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 20% (as required)
• This position requires a Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI access, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Ph.D degree in a STEM field or equivalent is highly preferred
• Experience working in a dynamic environment with multiple research focus areas
• Established record supporting National Security Space programs within Aerospace or externally
• Experience developing and leading interdisciplinary teams and building consensus on complex problems
• Experience leading a diverse organization of scientists and engineers
• Specific experience with propulsion applications
• Current TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. 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.