Vehicle Systems Manager

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 & Integration Department (VEID) is part of the Vehicle Systems Division, the premier satellite and launch vehicle technical organization within the Aerospace Corporation. 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 Vehicle Systems Manager (Multi-Disciplinary Engineering). The Vehicle Systems Section is the source for Space Vehicle multi-disciplinary project management and generalist spacecraft hardware engineering with a holistic focus on vehicle interfaces (Sub-system to bus, payload to bus, SV to LV).In this role, the Section Manager will work closely with the Vehicle Engineering & Integration Department Director to provide strategic leadership, planning, and direction of technical staff and operations within the Vehicle Systems Section.
Work Model
This is a full-time position nominally based in Chantilly, VA offering a hybrid work model that combines (4) regular onsite workdays. This role will require access to an Aerospace SCIF on a regular basis and offer remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
What You'll Be Doing

• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and career guidance for the members of the Vehicle Systems Section
• Develop individual members of the section by increasing their technical abilities, key competencies, and knowledge through targeted work assignments and regular feedback
• Assist department director to address staffing needs, performance reviews, and other supervisory tasks
• Train, motivate and direct employees to optimize workplace productivity and promote professional growth
• Provide Vehicle Engineering generalist support for customer programs and projects
• Participate in new business and technical planning efforts and may bring in tasks and projects beyond personal activities from internal and external sources
• Coordinate with East Coast Lab managers to provide vehicle systems engineering support to ongoing activities
• Participate in identifying staff to support matrixed program office vehicle engineering roles
• Manage a National ETG team
• Developing and enacting a strategic future for the Vehicle Systems Section along with the Department Director and senior staff
• Support the department mission of fostering a positive work culture that drives engagement from staff

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Vehicle Systems Manager- Multi-Disciplinary Engineering include:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field is required
• (5) or more years of progressively responsible professional engineering/scientific experience in one or more of the following areas: mechanical design and analysis, design for manufacturing, optical-mechanical systems, environmental testing, propulsion, mechanisms, guidance and controls, thermal engineering, structures, aerospace engineering, or any VSD discipline
• 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
• 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
• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)
• This position requires a current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance with Counterintelligence Polygraph 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:

• Advanced degree in a STEM field is preferred
• 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 - 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.