Director, Energy Technology Department- Chemistry

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.
Job Summary
Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The diverse expertise of the laboratories' technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems.
The Energy Technology Department (ETD) sits within the Electronics and Photonics Laboratory (EPL). ETD provides foundational and applied R&D support across the National Security enterprise, NASA/civil programs, commercial space, and academia. Our team of scientists and engineers are focusing on innovative energy storage and energy generation technologies for applications across the space ecosystem. The department supports the development of new tools, capabilities, and prototypes for evaluating and analyzing data for assessing next generation spacecraft solar cell, solar array, and a variety of battery technologies for national security space programs.
The Director, Energy Technology Department - Chemistry will serve as the visionary leader to scientists and engineers to collaborate with industry partners and internal program offices to ensure the success of critical space missions by evaluating and understanding the relevant properties of solar/battery components and degradation mechanisms in relevant space environment. The ETD Director will manage laboratory resources and personnel to shape research strategy and evolve corporate R&D for energy technology at a national level.
Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour
Work Model
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo and will require 100% onsite work.
What You'll Be Doing

• Develop and execute the department vision and a sustainable multi-year strategy, where the strategy must show connections from technical work in department to internal and external stakeholders
• Lead a multi-disciplinary technical staff of scientists and engineers to develop and apply solutions impacting a broad range of customers
• Manage all ETD operations including facilities, laboratories, safety, and financial planning in tight collaboration with corporate operations organizations
• Oversee annual staff performance, development, compensation, succession planning, and career growth, working closely with PSL management and in alignment with corporate initiatives
• Proactively manage and develop staff, i.e. building teams and growing funding resources across a wide variety of customers and technical needs
• Cultivate relationships with customers to facilitate understanding of existing and emerging challenges in their programs and develop R&D objectives around these challenges

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Director, Energy Technology Department - Chemistryinclude:

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Physics, Microelectronics, Semiconductors, Materials Science is required
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in R&D and/or industry environments for battery, solar, or related technical fields is required
• Ability to manage laboratory R&D budgets including multi-year financial planning, annual capital budget, staff salaries, large facility and construction projects, and overhead resources
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead teams in a changing environment, react quickly to changing requirements and schedules, and provide strategic direction given multiple customer needs
• Demonstrated prior experience managing teams and direct staff
• Strong leadership skills to include people management experience, communication skills, and a passion for Science and Technology (S&T) research
• Cross-functional collaboration across a large corporation and leadership skills, with the ability to make critical decisions and influence others
• Ability to lead and work outside your personal expertise to cultivate new ideas across Aerospace and execute highly collaborative strategies that include multiple organizations
• Willingness to occasionally travel domestically and/or internationally to support customer needs, approximately 25% (as required)
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a 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:

• PhD or equivalent in chemistry, physics, or engineering/technology field, with specific emphasis on energy technologies is strongly preferred
• 10+ years of experience in energy (battery and/or solar) technologies is highly desirable
• Experience in development of new research intersections between traditional R&D and new disciplines such as data science, AI/ML, and digital engineering
• Ability to understand and leverage organizational culture and institute both strategy and change
• A current and active TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, is strongly preferred. 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 various 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 employer. 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.