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.

Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors.

We are looking for an Systems Director- Engineering Program Management. This position falls under our Strategic Assessments, Studies, and Projects (SASP) division within CSG. This position will lead an organizationally- and geographically distributed team supporting programmatic assessments and strategic studies for customers at NASA HQ Mission Directorates, NASA Centers and other civil government organizations.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA., Pasadena, CA., or Crystal City, VA., offering a hybrid work model that combines 4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Help lead an organizationally- and geographically distributed team supporting programmatic assessments and strategic studies activities for customers at NASA HQ Mission Directorates, NASA Centers, and other civil government organizations
• Lead and direct comprehensive cost, schedule, affordability, and executability studies to inform NASA or other appropriate civil agency-level strategic decision-making on space flight missions, ground systems, and other infrastructure programs and projects
• Interact with government customers, develop task statements, and work scope, assemble technical teams to perform the work, manage and participate in work execution, and integrate analytical results into high quality final products
• Present study findings to all levels of the customer organization, from senior project managers and staff to senior leadership
• Work closely and coordinate with management and staff throughout CSG to optimally deploy resources within the Division, support hiring, and manage conflicts of interest
• Contribute to civil space business development efforts, coordinating with business developers within CSG and throughout Aerospace
• Provide vision and direction for enhancing existing and developing new programmatic modeling and analysis capabilities to efficiently provide programmatic support throughout the development lifecycle to better inform customers on the health of their programs
• Ensure customer satisfaction, meet financial performance goals and deliver extensive Division, Group, and corporate reporting
• Candidates should be able to effectively lead teams in a dynamic environment where requirements and schedules change quickly
• Travel will be required to meet with staff and interact with customers

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in engineering, science, or other applicable STEM areas
• 12 years or more of relevant experience in engineering and project management, with progressively increasing responsibilities including staffing, budgeting, and team building
• Program office and project leadership experience
• Experience in cost modeling and analysis, independent cost estimating, space systems engineering, risk assessment, and leading and executing technical programmatic and architecture-level studies
• Knowledge of NASA missions and technologies, civil programs development lifecycles
• Demonstrated experience in building engineering teams and leading projects to define and solve customer problems
• Strong, communication and interpersonal skills, as evidenced through recent interaction and presentations to customers
• This position requires applicant to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance, which is issued by the US government. US 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 engineering or science
• Experience with and knowledge of programmatic analysis tools, databases, and methodologies including commercially available and in-house capabilities
• Familiarity with ETG capabilities and the ETG matrix as well as laboratory and independent research capabilities
• Past experience working directly with civil space clients

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)

$168,200 - $252,400

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.