Systems Director- Resilient MWTD (Missile Warning, Tracking, & Defense)

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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including Air Force Space Command, U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. 

As the Systems Director of the Resilient MWTD (Missile Warning, Tracking, & Defense) directorate, you will play a pivotal role in the USSF’s transition to a new proliferated Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) MEO/LEO Architecture.  You and your team will focus on the acquisition and integration of space and ground elements of SSC’s proliferated Resilient MEO Missile Warning & Tracking system and associated ground elements.  This spiral evolution program is developing/acquiring space and ground system in a series of Epochs every 2-3 years as we build the full constellation to meet MWTD requirements.  As Director, you will lead the teams that work with the USSF contractors building the Epoch 1 & 2 SVs/PLs and Ground Entry Points (GEPs) as well as help the USG team define future Epochs and acquisition strategies.  This role includes working across the USSF to interface with stakeholders from MDA, SDA, US Space Command, the IC, to help guide the evolution of the MTC systems and ensure that the data they produce is effectively delivered to the warfighter and end users.

To further our partnership with the USSF Program Office in this area, we are seeking an agile, motivated leader to serve as the Systems Director to support this expanding, high profile, mission area. This position manages Aerospace technical support to senior officers within Sys. Delta 84 (SSC/SN) and will coordinate with stakeholders from across the MWTD enterprise including the Space Development Agency, Missile Defense Agency, Intelligence Community, and more.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead, develop, recruit, and mentor a high-performing technical staff

• Provide direct support to senior-level customers, staff, and Aerospace management, to identify and fulfill customer needs, consistent with the Aerospace FFRDC role

• Identifying and directing innovation and risk reduction activities in support of the USG pivot toward proliferated Missile Warning, Tracking, Defense sensors

• Guide the FFRDC team in evaluating contractor progress through the entire design, build, launch, and operational phases of each epoch and identify/mitigate risks along the way

• Build and maintain relationships across the Missile Warning, Tracking, & Defense Enterprise, facilitate the exchange of information and analysis, and direct research tasks to address future space intelligence needs with effective assessments & recommendations.

• Manage organizational resources and utilize best practices in a manner that meets customer needs, complies with customer and Aerospace polices and fulfills the requirements of the relevant Aerospace contracts

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements for the Systems Director- Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field is or other relevant field is required

• A minimum of (10) years of progressively more responsible experience in engineering or other technical roles is required

• Experience in multiple engineering and science disciplines, such as research and development, space and ground systems acquisition, systems engineering and systems integration

• Demonstrated agility and ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced customer