Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department Director

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

14h•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 Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a 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), the Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department ( VGC D) drives responsive and comprehensive space vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design , trades, and evaluation. Working closely with corporate program offices, VGCD delivers integration leadership and capabilities for conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. The department serves US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers. The Director of the Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department will lead these efforts, build partnerships with customers, and ensure the team is staffed with top talent to solve complex challenges. Work Model: This full-time position requires 100% onsite work in El Segundo CA, Colorado Springs CO , or Chantilly VA .

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or a related field; or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and equivalent technical experience
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
Experience in hiring, supervising, mentoring, and inspiring staff
Proven ability to initiate and lead project teams, develop project plans, identify high-impact deliverables, and manage schedule commitments
Exceptional time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and to lead cross-functional teams
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present methods and results effectively
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, manage ambiguity, and demonstrate initiative under pressure
Ability to travel approximately 15-25 % of the time
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.

Nice To Haves

A graduate degree or extensive work experience in relevant fields
Experience with concurrent engineering, spacecraft design, ground system design, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), digital engineering, and/or enterprise systems engineering/architecting
Experience with generative and/or agentic AI technologies
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 leveraging or integrating commercial capabilities/services into space mission architectures
Experience collaborating with multiple Aerospace program offices and customers
Strong interpersonal networks within Aerospace and customer organizations
Strong connections and working experience with the National Security Space Community
Experience with or supporting the acquisition of spacecraft, payloads, ground systems, launch systems, missile systems, nuclear weapon systems , and/or aircraft systems
A proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, customers, and corporate staff
Experience leading or managing a geographically distributed team, including remote employees

Responsibilities

Develop the vision and direction for the department to execute and enhance corporate capabilities that responsively inform our customers’ space and ground acquisitions and architectures
Drive new technology adoption (e.g., generative and agentic AI) and adapt these to enhance systems engineering workflows
Identify new partnerships for growth in customer impact
Ensure Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department and related corporate activities fully leverage expertise from across Aerospace , incorporat ing best practices in enterprise systems engineering
Manage the department, including staff performance reviews, resource allocation, and personnel management, and recommend performance improvements, career development, personnel actions, and awards. Staff are currently located in Chantilly, VA; Albuquerque, NM; Colorado Springs, CO; and El Segundo, CA
Serve as the primary contact for program office inquiries, frame problems, develop implementation plans, and identify appropriate personnel based on expertise
Foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, maintain robust relationships with peer organizations, and lead multi-discipline design teams
Coordinate and manage complex technical tasks among customers, ensuring quality and accuracy of work products
Recruit, onboard, and develop staff through performance management, mentoring, and coaching
Collaborate with subdivision leadership to cultivate an effective national organization
Lead technical activities, organize project teams, and execute a variety of conceptual design , evaluation , and analysis activities

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