Director of Vehicle System Software

Director of Vehicle System Software

Director of Vehicle System Software

Apply locations El Segundo, CA Chantilly, VA time type Full time posted on Posted 3 Days Ago job requisition id R011778

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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Job Summary

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Vehicle Systems Software Department develops high-fidelity launch vehicle and spacecraft closed-loop hardware and software testbeds, and real-time embedded software for satellites and other emerging technologies. This technical expertise is also relied upon for independent analysis and testing of embedded control software for a wide range of launch vehicles, spacecraft, and other systems.

As the Director of Vehicle Systems Software (Director - Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineering), you will provide leadership to a talented staff of researchers and engineers and lead the department's lab capabilities, while facilitating and encouraging a culture of innovation.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA offering a Hybrid work model that combines (4) regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead, manage, and staff the department in support of the department's expanding embedded projects.
• Identifies strategic growth areas to expand and enhance the department's lab capabilities.
• Leads multidisciplinary projects across multiple departments.
• Staffs the department with personnel with the appropriate expertise and skills mix in the following focus areas: avionics and/or emulated avionics hardware-in-the-loop simulation; software-in-the-loop simulation; simulated vehicle environments and dynamics; mission readiness certification; flight code validation; mission operations and day of launch activities; certification of code patches and image uploads; post flight analysis; flight software performance and risk assessment.
• Solicits funding for the care and maintenance of tools to support all of the above.
• Plans and executes strategies that lead to new or sustained business and customers.
• Directs efforts within the department toward expeditious resolution of critical problems.
• Encourages the technical growth of personnel, and develops and mentors future managers.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Director of Vehicle Systems Software (Director - Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineering):

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or a related field is required.
• Minimum of (12) years of progressively responsible engineering and leadership experience that encompasses both launch vehicle and satellites systems is required.
• Proven ability working with various Aerospace and U.S. government space program offices.
• Experience and ability to keep up with the state-of-the-art in flight and embedded systems software practices and hardware advancements.
• Management experience covering staff supervision, task definition and execution, planning and goal development, the ability to direct administrative as well as technical personnel, and success interacting with diverse groups and individuals.
• Strong skills and leadership abilities with multidisciplinary teams to include, but not be limited to, strategic thinking, operational execution, command presence, organizational positioning, personal and interpersonal communication, and history of resolving issues/problems.
• Experience writing technical reports and giving technical presentations.
• 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:

• Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering or other relevant field is preferred.
• Background in tracking or monitoring critical support technologies related to flight and embedded systems software and high-performance computing.
• Strong knowledge in development of Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop simulations.
• Experience in launch vehicles and satellites flight software testing and development.
• A current and active SCI security 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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.