Systems Director - Communications Systems

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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

As a Systems Director for Communications Systems, you will lead and manage a diverse East Coast team on a variety of activities in the Communications System Development Department, under the Ground and Communications Division (G&CD) within the National Systems Group (NSG). The management functions include onsite staff in a Government facility and forming technical teams from across the Engineering Technology Group (ETG) Subject Matter Experts, along with your individual technical contributions.

This position requires 100% on site work in Chantilly, VA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Primarily daily interactions in a Government facility with Military and Sr Government Officers, SETA, and development contractors on Major System Acquisition (MSA) definition and execution
• Providing technical assessments for communication architectures using state of the art Model and Simulation tools for shaping future communication systems and technology developments
• Working on Communication architectures and systems acquisitions that are at the nexus of all collection and data dissemination systems
• Participate in necessary program reviews, technical interchange meetings, and Aerospace acquisition reviews
• Managing and tracking financial and labor hours deliveries and expenditures, prepare monthly progress reports, and conduct program reviews
• Personnel management including hiring, staff review, and development

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or mathematics
• 12 years of experience years of relevant experience in complex system/subsystem acquisitions and system communications engineering understanding
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in Communications Systems and associated technologies for space and ground applications
• Ability to identify customer needs and clearly define technical tasks to form and lead technical teams from across various ETG disciplines
• Capability to produce and review of high-quality technical products, assessments, recommendations, and reports
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, 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 science or engineering degree
• Program Office experience
• Familiarization or experience with NSG customer(s)
• Experience as a manager in a supervisory role or lead in a technical position

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