In an era of dynamic change in space, Aerospace is addressing a generation of complex challenges. We operate the only federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) committed exclusively to the space enterprise. Our technical experts span every discipline of space-related science and engineering. Join our team and thrive in a career that matters to the world and you personally.

Whether you’re ensuring the resiliency of satellite systems or finding innovative orbits for specialized missions, your work at Aerospace will make a difference. From delivering world-class mission assurance to pioneering technological breakthroughs, you’ll help build a safer, stronger future. Working at Aerospace means ensuring the safety and success of every government, civil and commercial space mission. You’ll work side-by-side with some of the brightest minds in the field who will support you on whatever path your career takes. As an independent nonprofit, we deliver objective analysis, searching for technical truth and tackling the most complex challenges to ensure the safety and security of the U.S. space enterprise.

As an Associate Director of the Astrodynamics Department, you’ll be a key leader of teams that are developing innovative new space missions and capabilities. The qualified candidate will provide managerial leadership to a team of mission design and astrodynamics experts in support of government customers as they transform current missions and invent new capabilities. Customers include the U.S. Space Force, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), NASA, NOAA, and others.

At Aerospace, we believe that we can only fulfill our goals—and those of our customers—by securing a diverse and inclusive workforce, and an environment that will nurture the best ideas and generate the most novel innovations

Key Functions

• Assist the director in formulating and executing department strategy across the department’s multiple locations and customers
• Work with department managers and Aerospace leadership to develop a high performing organization in a diverse and inclusive environment
• Perform a range of modeling, simulation, and analysis in areas such as space mission design, orbital maneuvers, orbit estimation, space debris, and space domain awareness
• Provide technical expertise and project leadership in astrodynamics modeling and analysis
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, government customers, and contractor teammates
• Connect customers nationwide with appropriate department capabilities and staff talent
• Review department work products for quality, accuracy, and security
• Spearhead department recruiting and hiring activities
• Mentor, train, and develop staff and interns
• Foster a robust internship program for the department, as a strategic hiring pipeline
• Coordinate security accesses and information technology resources for staff to satisfy customer needs
• Conduct performance reviews of department staff
• Some travel may be required
   

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science or related technical discipline
• A minimum of twelve years of engineering experience and/or advanced education
• Significant experience in orbit mechanics/astrodynamics, and in modeling, simulation, and analysis
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated technical team leadership
• Ability to identify, organize, prioritize, and delegate tasks
• Proven ability to effectively interact with colleagues, contractors, and senior-level government customers
• Broad understanding of the U.S. government space community and space mission systems engineering
• Current SSBI with DoD Top Secret and SCI security clearance

Preferred 

• Advanced degree in engineering, science or related technical discipline
• Experience working directly with government customers
• Experience with satellite design and/or space system acquisitions
• Broad professional network including ETG, OCTO, and/or program offices
• Current SAP access

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide all the details of our industry-leading benefits and career development opportunities. A few highlights include:

• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility and respect
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family
• Flextime and virtual work options (if applicable)
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, regardless of whether you contribute
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Flexible spending accounts
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)

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.