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.<br><br>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!<br><br>We are seeking a director to lead the Weather Remote Sensing Systems Department (WRSSD) within the Sensing and Processing Subdivision. The WRSSD team includes scientists and engineers across a broad range of disciplines actively engaged across the lifecycle of the current and next generation of remote sensing systems of national importance.<br><br>As Director, you will lead an organization chartered to provide the analytical capabilities and support needed to help the government design and evaluate performance of weather remote sensing systems. You will provide organizational and technical leadership to the team, grow internal and external technical collaborations, and establish new business opportunities with U. S. Government, civil, and commercial customers. If you’re passionate about sensors, data, and solving hard problems, join our team and help shape the future of weather remote sensing.<br><br><strong>Work Model</strong>: The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.<br><br><strong>What You’ll Be Doing<br><br></strong><ul><li>Lead the Weather Remote Sensing Systems Department (WRSSD) by developing staff and technical capabilities in support of the weather and environmental remote sensing mission area for our civil and national security space customers.</li><li>Provide technical, personnel, and organizational leadership for WRSSD</li><li>Develop and lead the execution of an office strategy to grow agile and expert staff while increasing the office’s value to current and future customers</li><li>Maintain group focus on 1) end-to-end weather remote-sensing system performance modeling; 2) life-cycle expertise in sensors, data products, retrieval algorithms and data exploitation techniques; and 3) operational impact assessments for Civil and DoD weather/environmental satellite programs</li><li>Anticipate customer future needs, understanding their hard problems, and developing novel capabilities and solutions</li><li>Build and lead high-impact cross-functional teams, aligning expertise with project needs and driving collaborative solutions</li><li>Partner with fellow directors in the Mission Payloads Division to shape a cohesive team strategy, align technical efforts, and share best practices</li><li>Ensure a healthy organization by consistent engagement with staff on project status, business needs, mentoring, and professional career goals<br><br></li></ul><strong>Minimum Requirements<br><br></strong><strong>What You Need to be Successful <br><br></strong><ul><li>Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in science, mathematics, or engineering</li><li>10 years of experience with remote-sensing systems</li><li>Subject-matter expertise in at least one of the technical areas covered by the office: 1) electro-optical or microwave sensor phenomenology; 2) remote sensing techniques for weather, environmental, or other applications; 3) space-based sensor and space architecture concept modeling; 4) data exploitation techniques for remote sensing applications, and 5) application of weather and environmental data products for Civil and DoD customer needs</li><li>Demonstrated ability to develop staff and lead multi-disciplinary teams</li><li>Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills</li><li>Willing to travel domestically up to 20%</li><li>This position requires a current and active Secret security clearance and ability to obtain Top Secret/SCI clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.<br><br></li></ul><strong>How You Can Stand Out<br><br></strong><em>It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:<br><br></em><ul><li>Masters or Ph.D. from an accredited program in science, mathematics, or engineering</li><li>Previous management experience including staff development, organizational planning, resource management, and cultivating customer relationships.</li><li>Direct experience supporting Government programs in one or more of the five technical areas covered by the office</li><li>Awareness of larger weather and environmental remote sensing mission area trends, key customers/stakeholders, and demonstrated success working across the enterprise</li><li>A current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.<br><br></li></ul>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.<br><br>(Min - Max)<br><br>$185,100 - $277,600<br><br>Pay Basis: Annual<br><br><strong>Leadership Competencies<br><br></strong>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:<br><br><ul><li>Operate Strategically</li><li>Lead Change   </li><li>Engage with Impact   </li><li>Foster Innovation   </li><li>Deliver Results <br><br></li></ul><strong>Ways We Reward Our Employees <br><br></strong>During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.<br><br>Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. <em>A few highlights include:<br><br></em><ul><li>Comprehensive health care and wellness plans</li><li>Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation</li><li>Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options</li><li>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</li><li>Flexible spending accounts</li><li>Variable pay program for exceptional contributions</li><li>Relocation assistance</li><li>Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career</li><li>Education assistance programs</li><li>An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect<br><br></li></ul>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.<br><br><strong>Equal Opportunity Commitment<br><br></strong>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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.