Director - Launch Systems

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.

Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, development planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape the future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including US Space Force, U.S Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. DSG also assists the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

Project West Wing provides technical intelligence analysis and research for a broad range of US strategic modernization, national security space, and intelligence community customers. PWW is a key leader in corporate efforts to help the U.S. space enterprise outpace the threats to our national space systems. The Director – Launch Systems (Director – Flight Mechanics) will lead a team of technical intelligence analysts in the PWW International Launch Systems office to support missile warning/tracking/defense and other programs. Identify and solve hard intelligence problems that impact current and future customer missions. Anticipate and articulate future threats, develop and recommend courses of actions. Work closely with, but independently of, intelligence community and contractor counterparts. Apply senior staff expertise for maximum impact, guide less experienced staff, recruit and develop new staff, modernize processes and tools.

Work Model

This is a full-time 100% on-site position based in El Segundo, CA at Los Angeles Air Force Base.

What You'll Be Doing

• Maintain currency with foreign missile and space launch system developments and collaborate with intelligence community counterparts to improve threat assessments and models
• Identify and resolve gaps in intelligence assessments and propose innovative solutions of hard problems 
• Provide threat analysis to support missile warning/tracking/defense system development, test and operations; ensure threat model fidelity is sufficient for the intended application
• Identify and develop opportunities where the application of relevant intelligence can improve mission performance
• Lead intelligence studies, interface with customers, guide development and delivery of technical products
• Prepare and present technical briefings and reports and participate in defense and intelligence community technical interchanges
• Oversee the adoption of modern software and data management practices to increase productivity
• Manage technical staff, budgets, activity reporting

What You Need to be Successful - Director, Launch Systems

Minimum Requirements:

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Physical Science, or Math with at least 10 years applicable experience
• An inherent interest in tackling and solving problems that matter
• A background in the analysis and simulation of space or missile systems
• Experience in engineering disciplines such as propulsion, guidance and control, aerodynamics, signatures, trajectory reconstruction/design, or parameter estimation
• Strong Windows-based computing skills, MATLAB/Python proficiency, data/knowledge management skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work independently and with internal or external teams
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly technical report writing and review
• The position requires a minimum of a Secret security with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance and SCI access, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Ability to Travel

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Prior experience and familiarity with military and intelligence community organizations
• Prior technical management experience
• Experience with classified data handling, modern data management and processing
• Existing TS/SSBI/SCI security clearance, issued by the U.S. Government

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)

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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.