Director of Engineering - Communication Systems and Payloads

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 the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country's space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!
Join the Radio Frequency (RF) and Optical Communications (RFOCS) team and be at the forefront of payload development for the space enterprise. We are a dynamic team of problem-solvers tackling the toughest challenges in space communication and RF payloads across a varied set of national security, civil, and commercial space missions. If you're passionate about communication technologies, transmityour application to us and help shape the future of space connectivity.
We are seeking a Director of Engineering to lead the Communication Payload, Command, & Telemetry Department (CPCTD), a nation-wide team of experts shaping the future of communication and navigation payloads. CPCTD provides "cradle-to-grave" communications and navigation payload systems engineering support, including rapid concept design studies, requirements and CONOPs development; integration and test support; performance assessment and requirements verification; and on-orbit satellite support. Reliable and affordable high-performance communications systems are fundamental to the success of both current and next-generation space architectures, and CPCTD plays an essential role in helping make those systems a reality.
This role provides organizational and technical leadership in communication systems engineering. You will have an opportunity to grow and shape the department's support across the rapidly evolving space enterprise, build relationships with a broad set of customers, and coordinate with communications and remote sensing domain experts within MPD.
Work Model: This role will be primarily onsite due to the nature of our work and customers.
What You'll Be Doing

• Lead a National Engineering Team and Drive Innovation

• Provide leadership to a team of 20+ engineers dedicated to providing communication and navigation payload systems engineering support, technology development, and mission assurance across the DoD and IC space enterprises

• Implement high-impact strategies that exceed our customer needs, foster innovation, and deliver transformative solutions

• Shape the Future of Technical Excellence

• Drive the future of CPCTD by developing top engineering talent and expanding technical capabilities to ensure our team stays ahead of advancements

• Identify and capture new business opportunities that position our organization as a leader in the industry

• Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Build and lead high-impact cross-functional teams, aligning expertise with project needs and driving collaborative solutions

• Partner closely with fellow Directors in the Mission Payloads Division to shape a cohesive team strategy, align technical efforts, and share best practices

• Strategically Manage Budgets

• Oversee and optimize budgets to ensure efficient resource allocation, cost-effectiveness, and operational excellence

• Drive Team Performance and Engagement

• Cultivate a high-performing team by setting clear expectations, providing continuous feedback, and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in STEM-related field

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in communications systems, RF systems, or related technologies

• Proven ability to lead the full project management lifecycle, from concept to successful delivery of customer and business objectives

• Knowledgeable technical expertise in the design, build, integration and/or test of communication and navigation payloads

• Demonstrated ability to guide teams in a dynamic environment, adapting to shifting priorities and ensuring alignment with customer needs

• Commitment to maintaining a customer-focused approach, navigating challenges with creativity and collaboration, and communicating clearly and effectively across various formats/audiences

• Willingness to travel domestically approx.10 - 15%

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, 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 from an accredited program in electrical engineering, related engineering or physics discipline

• 12+ years of experience in communications systems or related technologies

• Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance

• Prior experience managing high-performing technical teams

• Space systems acquisition experience, preferably in a customer-facing role

• Demonstrated success in transitioning internal research and design projects to product development

• Proven ability to grow and maintain a healthy organizational culture and foster a supportive, collaborative environment

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)
$185,100 - $277,600
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.