Launch Directorate Chief Engineer

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 NSG Launch Directorate is looking for a Launch Directorate Chief Engineer (Principal Engineer/Scientist - Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering) to engage in Risk Management of Launch Systems across missions hosted on all launch vehicle variants in support of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The Principal Engineer will have responsibility for supporting the Office of Space Launch (OSL) Chief Engineer working across all Divisions of OSL to include: the Launch Management Division, Launch Acquisition Division, Launch Support Division, and the Mission Assurance Team.
Work Model
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA which requires 100% onsite work.
What You'll Be Doing

• Providing leadership in timely technical assessments in all issues related to launch, launch processing, launch transportation, anomaly resolution, investigations, and dissemination of technical information
• Representing the OSL organization in evaluation and resolution of anomalies which may affect launch schedules, result in mission assurance risks, or which require knowledge and participation of OSL
• Acting in a senior technical advisor capacity to the Director of OSL, Deputy Director of OSL, OSL Chief Engineer, Launch management Chief, and the Mission Assurance Team
• Leading independent and collaborative activities within Aerospace which support agile turnaround and rapid response for issue resolution, including the definition of independent tests and analysis to confirm hypotheses
• Interfacing with the various elements of Launch Operations Division (LOD), Launch Systems Division (LSD) and Engineering Technology Group (ETG) to address customer objectives and concerns which require Aerospace expertise
• Acting in a technical leadership capacity and engaging the Aerospace Technical Fellows in coordination and evaluation of significant technical issues
• Mentoring MTS staff on their pursuit of technical projects and future career paths
• Preparing periodic technical and programmatic status reports for submission to the government and Aerospace senior management

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Principal Engineer/Scientist - Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering

• Bachelor's degree in math, science, or engineering
• Minimum of 14 years of experience in development, test, and analysis associated with national security and or commercial space systems - experience in launch programs required
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently with minimal direct supervision
• Broad understanding and demonstrated experience in systems engineering and space systems related technical disciplines
• Demonstrated excellence in leading and managing technical projects and studies
• Understanding Physical Laboratories capabilities and the demonstrated ability to develop laboratory tests to help in the resolution of technical issues (design of experiments)
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize and build teams across Aerospace, development contractors, and other government support contractors to work challenging, complex technical problems
• Ability to clearly communicate complex technical subject matter, including providing clear technical recommendations, with any given audience, including up to senior agency leadership..
• 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.

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent
• Ability to assess a large variety of technical data and identify items of highest significance
• Demonstrated capability to work effectively as part of a team to resolve issues
• Strong personal initiative
• Effective written and oral communication skills, demonstrated ability to brief senior level officials.

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)
$185,200 - $277,800
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, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.