Payload Space Systems Project Leader at The Aerospace Corporation — Chantilly, VA

The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch. The GEOINT Development Office (GDO) serves as the technical adviser for national intelligence electro-optical programs. The Payload Department within GDO leverages Aerospace’s core competencies and understanding of cutting-edge technologies to support payload hardware development, acquisition, and operation for the nation’s flagship national security space program.

GDO Payload is seeking a Payload Space Systems Project Leader (Project Leader/Senior Project Leader - Electro - Optical Engineering) to apply systems engineering approaches to provide sound and objective technical recommendations and solutions to our customer and contractor community. In this unique leadership position, you will manage a bicoastal Aerospace team comprised of matrix engineering and laboratory resources in support of existing and next generation payload hardware.

This position requires 100% on-site work in Chantilly, VA, or El Segundo, CA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Identify payload-related hardware issues / risks, document mitigations, and make recommendations to government customers within a dynamic program office environment. Payload-related hardware includes multiple advanced electro-optical imaging sensor subsystems and their respective auxiliary equipment
• Serve as a principal technical representative to the customer, and facilitate communications with the broader customer payload community
• Leading a diverse team of technical experts within Aerospace ETG to manage and mitigate all technical risks that arise throughout the entire acquisition life cycle
• Ensure effective collaboration and communication across GDO, related Aerospace program offices and Aerospace ETG staff
• Monitor and assist in development of budgets and other resource allocations to accomplish tasks within the payload group

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Project Leader – Electro – Optical Engineering:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering, mathematics, science, or related technical discipline
• Minimum of 8 years of experience with electro-optics engineering and/or integration testing in roles of increasing responsibility, as well as leading teams in technical, architecture, strategy, and engineering projects and tasks
• Willing to travel domestically (up to 1 week per month)
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above, the Senior Project Leader – Electro – Optical Engineering requires the following

• Minimum of 12 years of experience with electro-optics engineering and integration testing in roles of increasing responsibility
• Proven track record leading major technical projects / teams or complex multi-disciplinary initiatives from initiation through completion

How You Can Stand Out

• Advanced degree (MS, PhD) in a relevant engineering or remote sensing field
• Expertise in visible and/or infrared (IR) electro-optical sensors and associated technology as well as mentoring experience
• Existing working relationships with relevant Aerospace matrix engineering organizations to quickly bring resources to address customer needs
• Knowledge of the customer’s mission enterprise, existing remote sensing capabilities and mission partner’s needs
• Experience evaluating remote sensing payload trade studies and design assessments, and knowledge of typical remote sensing payload performance budgets
• Communication with a broad range of customers, technologists, program managers, system engineers, and senior government leaders

(Min - Max)

$132,900.00 - $257,100.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

• 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