The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The divisionleveragesa broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.
As part of the Enterprise Design Subdivision (EDS), theVehicle and Ground Concepts Department(VGCD)drivesresponsive and comprehensive space vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design, trades, and evaluation.Working closely with corporate program offices,VGCDdeliversintegration leadership and capabilities for conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. The department servesUS Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/internationalcustomers.The Associate Director of the Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department will work with the Director to lead these efforts, build partnerships with customers, and ensure the team is staffed with top talent to solve complex challenges.
This full-time position requires 100% onsite work inEl Segundo CA.
Assist the Director in developingthe vision and direction for the department to execute and enhance corporate capabilities that responsivelyinform our customers’space and ground acquisitions and architectures.
Drivenew technologyadoption (e.g., generativeand agentic AI)and adapt these to enhance systems engineering workflows.
Managedirect reports, including staff performance reviews, resource allocation, and personnel management, and recommend performance improvements, career development, personnel actions, and awards.Staff are currently locatedin Chantilly, VA; Albuquerque, NM; Colorado Springs, CO; and El Segundo, CA.
Serve asaprimary contact for program office inquiries, frame problems, develop implementation plans, and identify appropriate personnelbased on expertise.
Recruit, onboard, and develop staff through performance management, mentoring, and coaching.
Lead technical activities, organize project teams, and execute a variety of conceptualdesign,evaluation,andanalysis activities.
What You Need to be a Successful Associate Director, Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department.
Typically 10 or more years demonstrated experience leading engineering studies and analysis teams, managing/coordinating complex technical tasks among team members, and translating customer needs into actionable tasks for engineers
Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary teams involving system design, acquisition and/or operations in one or more of the following areas: space systems, ground systems, launch systems, or operations
Proven ability to initiate and lead project teams, develop project plans, identify high-impact deliverables, and manage schedule commitments
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, manage ambiguity, and demonstrate initiative under pressure
This position requires a current and active TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, and the ability to pass a CI Polygraph. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Experience with concurrent engineering, spacecraft design, ground system design, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), digital engineering, and/or enterprise systems engineering/architecting
A reputation for expanding the knowledge and/or application of the concurrent engineering design discipline, literature, tools, and processes
Prior experience with related Aerospace architecting and design capabilities (CDC, PDST, MBSE, Digital Engineering), or similar experience at another company
Experience with or supporting the acquisition of spacecraft, payloads, ground systems, launch systems, missile systems, nuclear weapon systems, and/or aircraft systems
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)
$168,200.00 - $252,400.00Pay 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 6 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
