Principal Director- Electronics and Photonics Laboratory

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.

Job Summary 

The Aerospace Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) is a diverse scientific organization that provides a broad and innovative research and development backplane for a growing space enterprise.  PSL’s impact is grown through a diverse research portfolio that blends foundational scientific research with cutting-edge technology development to serve a broad customer base. PSL’s exclusive ability to work with all stakeholders: (government, industry, and academia) enables us to provide novel solutions to the most challenging issues in current and future technology applications. The strength of PSL comes from the combination of cutting-edge tools and facilities, a vast repository of space-system knowledge, and the extensive technical expertise of our people. We harness these tools and expertise in over 150 different laboratories to tackle the new challenges for the space enterprise. 

Aerospace is seeking a motivated and high-energy Principal Director to lead the Electronics and Photonics Laboratory (EPL) research and development organization. EPL is comprised of over 90 research scientists and engineers with an ~$20M annual operating budget, focused on a wide range of science and technology areas ranging from advanced microelectronics, device physics, photonics, free-space laser applications, atomic clock technology, and energy technology for space application (including both battery and solar technologies).  This innovative organization is part of the Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL), with provides foundational and applied R&D across the National Security enterprise, NASA/civil programs, commercial space, and academia.  This creative leader will manage laboratory resources and personnel to shape research strategy and evolve corporate R&D for electronics, photonics, and energy technology at a national level.   

Work Model  

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work. 

What You’ll Be Doing  

• You will be leading a multidisciplinary large staff of scientists and engineers with department directors and laboratory management team across a diverse portfolio that includes research and applied science technologies across advanced microelectronics, device physics, photonics, and space power. 

• S/he will be developing and implementing the subdivision strategic vision and priority in support of corporate and PSL-level strategies.  

• Proactively managing and growing staff-building teams and growing customer business and program funding resources across a wide variety of customers and technical needs 

• Facilitating organizational collaboration and engaging across industry, government, and academia to determine state of the art, customer needs, and opportunities for new R&D efforts 

• Connecting and integrating science and engineering efforts through multi-disciplinary and integrated product teams 

• Oversees annual staff performance, development, compensation, succession planning, and career growth 

• Manages all EPL laboratory operations including facilities, safety, and financial planning in tight collaboration with corporate operations organizations 

What You Need to Be Successful 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Technical engineering or s