General Manager, Physical Sciences Laboratories Division

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.

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. 

An exciting opportunity awaits a new strategic leader and General Manager of the Physical Sciences Laboratories, one of the nation’s most impactful space-focused laboratory organizations.  The new GM will ensure the organization’s capabilities align with the rapidly changing space enterprise, advancing space innovation, R&D, and collaboration across Aerospace, the national security space customer base, and the larger world-wide research community.  You will be responsible for leading a diverse and motivated 250+ member team of research scientists and engineers with an $80M+ budget, operating world class laboratories, research portfolio, and national/international collaborations. 

Work Model

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

What You’ll Be Doing

As an innovative and creative leader, you will oversee the strategic vision and laboratory operations, focused on building impactful R&D products in partnership with the larger Aerospace engineering and prototyping organizations. Collaborative research areas include, but not limited to:

• Advanced concepts in remote sensing applications, space domain awareness, space radiation environment/prediction

• Technology development in advanced microelectronics and radiation hardness, chemical and electric propulsion, energy generation and storage, extreme-environment material science, photonics and laser applications, atomic time keeping, and resilient and survivable materials

• World class research laboratories and test facilities in joint-partnership with other Aerospace engineering divisions and universities

• Growing number of multi-disciplinary research teams integrating experimental research and modeling/simulation for new capability provided across the national security, civil, and commercial space community.

Responsibilities will include:

• Driving the PSL organizational vision, strategy, and implementation planning across many different disciplines and research fields

• Facilitating department-level strategic plans and road mapping for increasing research impact, advancing adoption of new space technology, and leveraging internal investment for measurable benefit

• Driving effective and efficient processes in managing the overall laboratory operations, that includes financial, personnel, safety, and operational imperatives

• Growing research portfolio through coordinated customer development, grant and proposal processes, and contract execution with multi-party teams and multiple stakeholders

• Advancing the organizational culture and personally engaging with staff to inspire, develop, mentor, and shape the diverse PSL workforce within an inclusive and highly collaborative environment

What You Need to be Successful - General Manager

Minimum Requirements:

• Advanced Degree in science, engineering, or related technical discipline is required

• Tw