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.

As the Director - Aeronautical Engineering and Aerospace Structural Engineering within the Structural Dynamics and Environments Department, you will lead a team that solves challenging problems in the areas of vehicle and component dynamic modeling, coupled loads analysis, environmental and mode survey testing, and prediction of dynamic responses during launch, flight, separation, deployment, and operation. The Structural Dynamics and Environments team works closely with other departments within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision and Vehicle Systems Division to identify methodological improvements, improve physics-based modeling capabilities, and provide decision-quality information on risks and opportunities across the mission lifecycle for a diverse array of government and commercial customers.

Work Model

This is a full-time position nominally based in El Segundo, CA, offers a hybrid work model that combines (4-5) regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead a 30-member team of technical staff and managers responsible for delivering solutions to customers and end-users in the areas of structural dynamics and dynamic environments
• Survey processes, products, and data flows, identify high-information nodes and friction points, and lead the development of innovative tools to improve connectivity, resilience, and speed of department processes and products
• Engage across functional departments in the subdivision and division to identify complex problems, communicate challenges, and coordinate products and solutions
• Develop and manage relationships with internal and external customers and contractors to maintain and enhance the department’s impact, visibility, and reputation
• Manage department functions including hiring staff, aligning tasks with skillsets and growth areas, enforcing corporate policies and practices, conducting performance appraisals, reporting significant progress and challenges to leadership, and recognizing outstanding performance and growth
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, physics, or a related field in engineering or science is required
• 10 or more years of experience in aerospace environments, dynamics, or related structural mechanics disciplines is required
• Prior experience in a technical or programmatic team management role
• Familiarity with space and/or launch vehicle contractors
• Knowledge of the Aerospace and government customer organizational structure, leadership, and technical points of contact
• Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs, approximately 15% (as required) 
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret with TS/SCI 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:

• Advanced degree in mechanical or aerospace structural engineering is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience delivering impactful technical outcomes in disciplines related to structural dynamics and dynamic environments, including coupled loads analysis, day-of-launch loads placarding, pogo stability analysis, deployment and separation analysis, jitter analysis, mode survey testing, and environmental testing
• Past Aerospace customer program office experience is preferred
• An active Top Secret security clearance with SCI and/or SAP access which is issued by the U.S. government, is highly desirable. 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)

$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.