Director, Materials Science Department

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. 

We are seeking an energetic leader for the Director, Materials Science Department (MSD) to lead unique R&D in the fields of ceramics, metallurgy, polymers, composites, advanced manufacturing, and materials test and evaluation. S/he will develop and execute new strategies for integrated research and collaboration across academia, civil, DoD/IC, and industry. The Director will leverage new corporate investments in ceramics/metals, polymers/composites, and non-destructive evaluation test capabilities. You will work across multiple internal and external organizations to grow, develop, and manage new business opportunities, and lead staff development and organizational improvements to support world-class research and development within the Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL).

Work Model 

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop and lead the execution of integrated strategies in areas of ceramics/metals, polymers/composites, and non-destructive evaluation across a diverse cutting edge Research Line portfolio as they relate to PSL, The Aerospace Corporation and customers (Civil, DoD/IC)

• Collaborate across PSL, The Aerospace Corporation (from facilities, across divisions, with facilities, etc.), customers, industry, and academia to develop and deliver products and services

• Grow staff, capability, and expertise toward new strategic visions and customer demands

• Continually improve quality and efficiency

• Effectively communicate and execute corporate policies, procedures, vision, philosophies, performance development and compensation, safety, timecards, training, and guidelines

What You Need to be Successful - Director, Materials Science Department

Minimum Requirements: 

• Master’s degree in a STEM field is required

• (12) or more years of progressively responsible professional engineering/scientific research experience is required

• Technical experience in one or more of the following research topic areas: ceramics, metallurgy, polymers, composites, advanced manufacturing, and materials test and evaluation

• Proven ability in establishing business goals and strategies

• Experience leading a diverse organization of scientists and engineers

• Develop and lead interdisciplinary teams and build consensus on complex problems

• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)

• This position requires an active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain a SSBI, which is issued by the U.S. 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: 

• PhD degree in a STEM field is highly preferred

• Demonstrated success working in a dynamic environment with multiple