Systems 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.

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.

The Pentagon and Multi-Domain Division provides the technical analyses needed to inform and underpin decisions made by senior leaders within the Department of Defense (DoD). We address a broad range of space-related issues to help shape current and future DoD missions, taking on challenging space-related problems on behalf of our DoD customers in areas such as emerging technologies, operational analysis, architecture, policy and strategy, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction.

The Joint and Multi-Domain Programs Subdivision provides leadership on a diverse portfolio of work, including technical expertise and analysis-based decision support to senior leaders within the military services, the combatant commands, and multiple DoD agencies. As the Systems Director ( Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering ) in the Joint and Multi-Domain Programs Subdivision, you’ll play a pivotal role in expanding Aerospace’s contribution and influence in the multi-domain community, focusing on end user integration of space-based capabilities. In addition to supporting the Assistant Principal Director across this broad portfolio, you’ll also be responsible to lead efforts in support of new and existing Air Force organizations such as:

Headquarters Air Force, Air Force Futures (AF/A5/7) Headquarters Air Force, Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Cyber Effects (AF/A2/6) Department of Air Force, Program Executive Officer, Command, Control, Communications, and Battle Management (PEO C3BM) Air Force Safety Center (AFSEC) Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC)

Work Model: This position is eligible for hybrid work (4 days in office per week) and requires on-site presence w/ access to classified networks. Possible work locations include Chantilly, Virginia, Crystal City, Virginia and the Pentagon. 

What You'll Be Doing

Provide overall leadership and management of Aerospace’s Air Force portfolio of projects supporting policy, architecture development, Force Design, POM/Planning inputs, digital integration, mission engineering, and enterprise-level portfolio management/program execution. Serve as the primary focal point for PEO C3BM Pentagon/JBAB-based personnel, establishing a long-term working relationship with Architecture & Systems Engineering (ASE), Program Integration, Cross-cutting, and program execution teams. Establish trusted relationships with key senior leaders within the Air Force portfolio. Establish and maintain Aerospace’s positive reputation with new and existing customers as a problem solver and thought leader. Anticipate future customer needs and evolve an agile, high-quality technical and enterprise support work force (on-site and matrix) to respond at speed. Deliver advanced decision support capabilities and products to our government customers. Lead and support cross-corporation and cross-organizational teams to execute studies and analysis activities of national significance. Foster appropriate cooperation and coordination across the space enterprise to help assure enterprise mission success. Provide strategic leadership and support for planning and implementation of policy, acquisition, and requirements initiatives, developing architectural alternatives, assessing system budgets and schedules, and rationalizing investment portfolios. Drive and facilitate cross-customer coordination via proactive engagement with other teams within Aerospace (e.g., Aerospace’s Engineering Technology Group (ETG) and its Center for Space Policy and Strategy) Lead Aerospace’s Air Force portfolio in accordance with the cultural attributes: 1) Lead from the Front; 2) Collaborate across the Enterprise; and 3) Operate with Speed and Agility. Exemplify the Aerospace Leadership Competency Model by operating strategically, fostering innovation, leading change, engaging with impact, and delivering results at a level concomitant with an enterprise leader role. Demonstrate leadership for team members, set expectations and direction, and provide critical feedback and mentoring.

What You Need to Be Successful - (Systems Director, Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering)

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or closely related technical field 12 or more years of progressively demonstrated engineering and policy experience, including multi-disciplinary systems engineering in a program oversight environment Demonstrated leadership skills including team building/leadership, conflict resolution, staffing and customer relationship building Technical expertise relevant to the Department of Air Force and other Joint and Multi-Domain customers Experience leading or supporting technical study teams examining topics of national significance Proven ability to work effectively with senior government customers (flag or SES level) from diverse organizations Proven ability to network with contractors, other government agencies, and internal organizations (e.g., Aerospace program offices and ETG) to address issues and provide the customer with the best available technical and programmatic analyses Excellent written communication skills - organize complex materials and concepts in clear and logical manner Excellent verbal communication skills - clear, concise, persuasive; builds consensus through speaking; polished, professional style This position requires an active TS/SSBI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance Ability to travel as required

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

Advanced technical and/or business degree Previous experience supporting any of the current or prospective Joint and Multi-Domain customers In-depth knowledge of roles played by the military services; the combatant commands; the U.S. Space Force; the Office of the Secretary of Defense; the Office of the Director of National Intelligence; the National Reconnaissance Office; the Joint Staff; and other government organizations in development and operations of the national security space enterprise. Experience in Command and Control, Battle Management, SATCOM, PNT, ISR, cislunar space, digital engineering, and Model-Based Systems Engineering Experience in the operational use of space systems for DoD missions Familiarity with national security system procurement processes, including the Defense Acquisition System (DAS); the Programming, Planning, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) process; and the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) Experience supporting development or implementation of national space policy Demonstrated entrepreneurial success cultivating and establishing new customer relationships and meaningful associated work Applicable SAP/SAR accesses

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.

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