Section Manager, Space Vehicle Concept Design

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.

Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a wide-ranging and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space-enabled mission effects.

The Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD) in EED provides space vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design; trade and architecture analysis, modeling, process development and leadership expertise; and tool development in support of conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. As a member of VGCD, you will be designing innovative spacecraft and ground segment solutions to meet the most pressing mission needs of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers.

Work Model

This position will follow an in-person work model in one of Aerospace’s campuses in Chantilly, VA, Colorado Springs, CO, or El Segundo, CA.

• Leading early‑stage design studies for spacecraft concepts; types of studies can include both small, individual efforts as well as large, multidisciplinary teams of subject matter experts.
• Serving as a subject matter expert in spacecraft‑level systems engineering to support execution of customer programs, including during design reviews and other milestones.
• Conduct staff performance reviews and other personnel management functions such as managing team resources and needs, providing career development and mentoring, and recommending personnel staffing requests (hiring, promoting).
• Pursue opportunities for additional, expanded, and new tasking for staff and identify appropriate personnel to perform the work.
• Leading the development of capabilities utilizing AI in the concept development of spacecraft or spacecraft ground systems.
• Leading continuous development, maintenance, and improvement of the tools and models that are used during spacecraft concept design and analysis activities.
• Establishing strong working relationships with government, program office, and contractor personnel as well as other members of Aerospace’s engineering group.
• Work with the Enterprise Design Subdivision (EDS) management team to find organizational collaboration opportunities for EDS customers.
• Mentoring members of the department.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in a relevant engineering or science discipline.
• 6+ years of relevant experience working on multi‑disciplinary engineering teams with a focus on spacecraft or ground segment design.
• A strong knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and system engineering; some knowledge of ground segment concepts.
• Proven ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, adapt quickly to change, and demonstrate initiative under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills and ability to excel in a collaborative environment; proficiency with office and collaboration tools, such as MS Office.
• Demonstrated experience in concurrent engineering tools, processes, and methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and conduct long‑term technical studies for geographically dispersed programs.
• Ability to develop project plans, manage delivery commitments, and generate and present deliverables to Aerospace management and program offices and customers.
• Ability to assemble and lead multi‑disciplinary teams and to…