Systems Director - GEOINT Development/Systems Engineering

The Aerospace Corporation•Westfield, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

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. The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch. The Imagery Program Division’s GEOINT Development Office (GDO) is seeking a Systems Director responsible for leading the Systems Engineering team on the nation’s flagship national security space program. In this unique leadership position, you will have responsibilities touching on all aspects of the mission and spacecraft – from the smallest piece parts to the completed spacecraft assembly, launch, and support to initialization and operations, as well as all aspects of mission performance and integration into the customer’s larger mission enterprise. You will manage a bicoastal team working with the customer and other contractors to define requirements, analyze performance, provide mission assurance, perform specialty engineering, control parts/materials/processes (PMP), integrate designs, verify systems, integrate & test spacecraft, ensure mission performance meets user needs, and integrate the system into the customer/user mission enterprise. This position requires 100% on-site work in Chantilly, VA.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering, mathematics, science, or related technical discipline.
Minimum of 12 years of experience with progressively increasing responsibility.
Experience in spacecraft systems engineering, development, test, or performance analysis.
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with a broad range of customers, technologists, program managers, system engineers, and senior government leadership. Also, demonstrated tact and flexibility in dealing with challenging personalities.
Willing to travel domestically (1-2 weeks per month).
This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the US government.
U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a relevant engineering or remote sensing field.
Knowledge of the customer’s mission enterprise, existing remote sensing capabilities and mission partner’s needs.
Knowledge of Aerospace corporate mission assurance processes and tools
Existing working relationships with relevant Aerospace matrix engineering organizations to quickly bring resources to address customer needs
Previous spacecraft systems engineering experience in requirements development, flow down and verification, including specification and control of interfaces.
Experience evaluating remote sensing payload trade studies and design assessments, and knowledge of typical remote sensing payload performance and design budgets

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary link between the Government Systems Engineering Lead and the Aerospace team.
Manage system engineering activities related to requirements, CONOPS, performance analysis, design integration, mission assurance, PMP, flight sciences, verification, hardware test & qualification, system integration & test and launch.
Work directly with customers to identify system engineering support needs for systems in various stages of acquisition, establish priorities, define budgets, and manage resources.
Ensure effective collaboration and communication across GDO, related program offices and Aerospace Engineering & Technology Group (ETG) staff
Engage Aerospace ETG matrix support for mission assurance standards, space environments, EMI/EMC, contamination control, reliability, and test engineering support
Maintain a world-class diverse systems engineering staff and facilitate staff development.
Keep customers informed about issues/risks/concerns and recommend mitigation approaches.
When necessary, coordinate across Aerospace, SETA, and customer teams from other organizations to create enterprise solutions.

Benefits

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