Space Hardware Project Leader

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.

The Aerospace Corporation’s Experiment Lab, xLab, develops prototypes, instruments, pathfinders, and demonstration systems to address our customers’ hardest problems at the speed of need. We engage with our customers to conceptualize innovative solutions and deliver impactful products for ground and space and everything in between. We are looking for engineers with a passion for design, a commitment to teamwork and a desire to help xLab make a difference to today’s challenges.   

The Space Hardware Project Leader (Project Leader – Technical Project Management) is responsible for the planning and execution of hardware build projects. As part of a project leadership team, which includes the project Principal Investigator and Project's Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for the timely delivery of specific project deliverables in accordance with project requirements (technical, cost & schedule) In this role you will l lead and work with multi-functional, cross-organizational teams to design, build, test and operate complex space science sensors and small satellite systems. This role may also include managing of ground-based or airborne test systems. You will use your innovative problem-solving abilities as well as your strong team building and leadership skills to successfully deliver to the mission.

This is a full-time, onsite position based in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Manage multiple projects through all phases of development: Proposal, Concept, Requirements, Design, Build, Assembly, Integration and Test (AI&T), Delivery, Launch, Post Launch, Etc.

• Work with project teams to ensure work is performed in accordance with mission/project requirements, planned budgets, schedules, and program risk posture

• Manage road-blocks, work-arounds and unexpected events on projects to maintain optimal technical, cost and schedule performance

• Create and maintain strong working relationships and lines of communication with both internal/external customers and other team member organizations.

• Work with assigned teams to develop project cost and schedule plans for new business proposals; work with Aerospace estimating and contracts teams to ensure compliant submission of new business proposals.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable STEM field or related technical discipline

• Six or more years of increasingly responsible, related professional experience,

• Experience working in a hardware engineering role

• Experience in team leadership, project management, project planning and/or project execution

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

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, 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:

• Master’s degree in applicable STEM discipline

• Direct project management experience

• Spaceflight hardware experience in project/product team leadership and execution

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholder and external customers

• Knowledge and understanding of procurement, property and business practices desirable

• Experience with Microsoft Project or other project management tools desirable

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$120,800.00 - $181,100.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies