Principal Director- Electronics and Photonics Laboratory

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.
Aerospace is seeking a motivated and high-energy Principal Director to lead the Electronics and Photonics Laboratory (EPL) research and development organization. EPL is comprised of over 90 research scientists and engineers with an ~$20M annual operating budget, focused on a wide range of science and technology areas ranging from advanced microelectronics, device physics, photonics, free-space laser applications, atomic clock technology, and energy technology for space application (including both battery and solar technologies). This innovative organization is part of the Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL), with provides foundational and applied R&D across the National Security enterprise, NASA/civil programs, commercial space, and academia. This creative leader will manage laboratory resources and personnel to shape research strategy and evolve corporate R&D for electronics, photonics, and 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, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.
What You'll Be Doing

• You will be leading a multidisciplinary large staff of scientists and engineers with department directors and laboratory management team across a diverse portfolio that includes research and applied science technologies across advanced microelectronics, device physics, photonics, and space power.
• S/he will be developing and implementing the subdivision strategic vision and priority in support of corporate and PSL-level strategies.
• Proactively managing and growing staff-building teams and growing customer business and program funding resources across a wide variety of customers and technical needs
• Facilitating organizational collaboration and engaging across industry, government, and academia to determine state of the art, customer needs, and opportunities for new R&D efforts
• Connecting and integrating science and engineering efforts through multi-disciplinary and integrated product teams
• Oversees annual staff performance, development, compensation, succession planning, and career growth
• Manages all EPL laboratory operations including facilities, safety, and financial planning in tight collaboration with corporate operations organizations

What You Need to Be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Principal Director (Electronics and Photonics Laboratory)

• Technical engineering or science degree with direct experience in basic and applied research is required
• A minimum of (8) years of relevant science, engineering, or technical experience is required
• Deep science and technology experience in basic and applied research with space or terrestrial applications
• Ability to plan and manage large operating budgets and laboratory operations
• Managing significant laboratory R&D budget including multi-year financial planning, multi-million annual capital budget, >$5M annual IR&D 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
• 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
• This position requires a current and active SCI clearance with the ability to obtain TS/SCI access, 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:

• Ph.D. or equivalent in physics, chemistry, or engineering/ technology field, with specific emphasis on relevant EPL research areas is highly desirable
• 15+ years of relevant science, engineering, or technical experience is preferred
• Ability to understand and leverage organizational culture and institute both strategy and change
• Demonstrated success transitioning early research to integrated engineering teams for eventual industry technology transition
• Prior experience managing teams working applied science and engineering projects that demonstrate team leadership to mature technologies for the larger space enterprise using prototype applications
• Experience in development of new research intersections between traditional R&D and new disciplines such as data science, AI/ML, and digital engineering
• History of successfully managing IR&D and laboratory capital budgets
• Experience in external proposal development and successful track record of new business capture with industry and/or academic partners
• Facilitation of technology transition of R&D products, services, and capabilities

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)
$230,000 - $275,000
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.