Principal Director

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 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; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments. The Structural Mechanics subdivision solves challenging mechanism, structures , structural dynamics and environments problems across the lifecycle of space and defense systems , spanning from concept design through development, launch, deployment, and operation . The team produces timely decision-grade technical products for customers across the national space enterprise . As the Principal Director , Structural Mechanics subdivision, you will provide management and leadership to the organization, establish and achieve strategic organizational objectives , recruit and develop world-class staff, guide the direction of technical tools and capabilities, and execute efficient and effective operations . Work Model This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines (4) regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. What You'll Be Doing Manage and lead the overall operations of a dynamic and geographically dispersed team of world class engineers, business professionals and technical support personnel
Develop an understanding of current and future customer needs , define subdivision goals and objectives consistent wit h this direction , and ensure accountability for their completion
Identify, pursue, and promote business opportunities with new customers and commercial and academic partners
Partner with other Aerospace organizations to deliver timely , innovative solutions to customers and achieve corporate and division goals
Connect with stakeholders to organize subdivision projects and allocate resources to enable task completion
Set organization structure, estimate staffing needs, recruit high-quality teammates, and provide leadership, planning, direction, and managerial oversight to technical staf f
Provide organizational context, encourage creative thinking, and champion the development of enhanced and new processes, tools, and skills to increase organizational capabilities
Execute day-to-day management tasks including monitoring staff workload s and budgets , coordinating technical positions, ensuring timely high-quality products , manag ing computing and infrastructure resources , performing personnel actions , developing staffing , and conducting succession planning What You Need to be Successful Minimum requirements for the Principal Director , Structural Mechanics role : Bachelor's degree in a STEM field is required A minimum of (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in a technical leadership role is required Significant experience leading and managing distributed functional technical teams , including managing managers and senior engineering staff
Demonstrated planning and execution skills in the areas of organizational strategy , budgets and resources , recruiting and staffing, talent succession, and personnel development
A consistent track record of establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal and working relationships with appropriate levels of corporate staff, peers, management, program offices, customers, partners, stakeholders and contractors.
Ability to successfully navigate ambiguity and lead cross-organizational teams to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Familiarity with Aerospace's program offices, customers , and operating models
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)
This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI 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 a STEM field is strongly preferred
(5) or more years of managing high - performing teams within a professional and progressive environment is preferred
Proven ability to impactfully engage with senior executives and external audiences
Successful track record of managing change and developing growth mindsets in teams
Demonstrated technical leadership experience in both customer-facing and matrixed engineering organization s , including significant interactions with Aerospace and customer executive leadership
Experience with relevant program activities and adjacent ETG organizations
Experience in ETG and a Program Office or equivalent is preferred
An active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, is highly desirable. 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)
$240,000 - $280,000 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 or by email at . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .