Associate Director - Electro-Optical Engineering

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 the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD! The Visible and Infrared Sensor Systems Department (VISSD) resides within MPD, and our staff supports the design and development of electro-optical (EO) sensor payloads and prototypes. Our expertise includes the following: concept definition and mission driven design synthesis of electro-optical space sensors, detailed characterization and performance analysis of visible and infrared (IR) image sensors, as well as the design, assembly, integration and test (AI&T) of ground and airborne prototype sensors. This expertise combined with additional in-house (MPD) laboratories, prototyping, performance modeling, and simulation capabilities, enables VISSD to deliver innovative solutions to our civil, commercial, and national space systems customers. We are seeking an associate director to lead the Sensor Design Synthesis and Calibration team in the department. This team includes scientists and engineers actively engaged in EO/IR system performance estimation, prototype hardware system engineering, and system calibration activities. You will provide organizational and technical leadership to the team, grow internal and external technical collaborations, and establish new business opportunities with U. S. Government, civil, and commercial customers. If you’re passionate about EO/IR sensors design and solving hard problems across a broad set of missions and customers, join our team and help shape the future of space sensing. Work Model The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo, CA. What You’ll Be Doing Lead a High Impact Technical Team Provide leadership to a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing technical expertise in support of remote sensing mission areas for national security space customers. Advance department expertise in 1) Electro-optical and Infrared sensor system design and performance modeling; 2) Support strategic growth of the technical staff and facilities related to sensor calibration; 3) Support prototype hardware development staffing needs. Implement high-impact strategies that exceed customer needs, foster innovation, and deliver transformative solutions. Shape the Future of Technical Excellence Drive the future of the department by developing top engineering talent and expanding technical capabilities to ensure the team stays ahead of advancements in anticipation of customer priority needs. Identify and capture new business opportunities that position the organization as an industry leader. Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration Build and lead high-impact cross-functional teams, aligning expertise with project needs and driving collaborative solutions. Partner with fellow directors in the Mission Payloads Division to shape a cohesive team strategy, align technical efforts, and share best practices. Enterprise solutions teaming across ETG and our customer base. Strategically Manage Budgets Oversee and optimize budgets to ensure efficient resource allocation, cost-effectiveness, and operational excellence. Drive Team Performance and Engagement (Establish or Build Upon a culture of Team Performance and Engagement and Co-Responsibility). Cultivate a high-performing team by setting clear expectations, providing continuous feedback, and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. What You Need to be Successful – Associate Director Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related field. 10 years of experience with EO/IR sensor systems. Subject-matter expertise in some of the following technical areas covered by the department: detector physics, focal plane array interface development, focal plane array (or Sensor Chip Assembly) radiometric characterization, EO/IR sensor calibration, or EO/IR sensor performance modeling. Proven ability to lead projects from concept to successful delivery of customer and business objectives. Demonstrated ability to guide teams in a dynamic environment, adapting to shifting priorities, and ensuring alignment with customer needs. Commitment to maintaining a customer-focused approach, navigating challenges with creativity and collaboration, and communicating clearly and effectively across various formats and audiences. Willingness to travel domestically approximately 10 – 15%. This position requires a current and active Top Secret/SCI clearance, which is issued by the US 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: Advanced degree in a STEM-related field. 12+ years of experience in optical sensor system design and M&S for remote sensing applications. Prior experience managing high-performing technical teams and managers. Proven ability to grow and maintain a healthy organizational culture and foster a supportive, collaborative environment. 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) $185,100.00 - $277,600.00 Pay Basis: Annual Leadership Competencies Operate Strategically Lead Change Engage with Impact Foster Innovation Deliver Results Ways We Reward Our Employees During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits. Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include: Comprehensive health care and wellness plans. Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation. Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options. 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire. Flexible spending accounts. Variable pay program for exceptional contributions. Relocation assistance. Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career. Education assistance programs. An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect. Equal Opportunity Commitment The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. 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