Architecture Concepts Associate Director

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 Description

The 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 and space-enabled capabilities.

Architecture Concepts (ArCon) Department Description

ArCon provides expertise in architecture methods, processes, and tools to an extremely broad range of customers, including National Space Security (NSS) and other defense programs, NASA, NOAA, NNSA, DHS, and others. ArCon staff participate in and lead architecture trade studies, architecture conceptualization studies, architecture modeling tasks, and program assessment analyses at multiple levels of complexity, ranging from prototype systems to full scale acquisition systems in the space, ground, communications, and network domains. ArCon applies disciplined system architecting principles and leads cross-functional teams to provide impactful guidance to assist our customers in making key acquisition and operations decisions.

Work Model

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

What You’ll Be Doing

Assist the Director in managing the Architecture Concepts Department, serving as the responsible day-to-day manager for Department staff working at diverse locations on disparate problems; conducting staff performance reviews and performing other personnel management functions; managing team resources and needs; and recommending performance improvement, career development, personnel actions, and awards

Serve as a focal point for program office inquiries for new tasking, utilizing system architecting problem framing principles to help program offices to define the problem space, create implementation plans, and identify appropriate personnel to perform the work based on your knowledge of resources and expertise across the company

Build and mentor staff, serving as a role model and advisor to an exceptionally talented and highly motivated cadre of architects, analysts, and modelers and hiring summer interns, early career, and/or experienced staff as needed to meet emerging demand for Department expertise

Direct technical activities, organize project teams, and execute independently or via teams a variety of architecture conceptualization, assessment, and modeling activities and provide decision support expertise to Aerospace program offices as a technical subject matter expert and project leader

Help to steer and implement strategy for the Department and Subdivision, and seek, identify, and pursue opportunities for additional, expanded, and new business and assist higher management in the evaluation and pursuit of new opportunities

What You Need To Be Successful

Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering discipline, science, or a related field

At least 10 years of experience in space, intelligence, and/or defense domains

Experience in initiating and leading project teams, developing project plans, identifying high-impact deliverables, and managing schedule commitments

Exceptional time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and to organize and lead cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to execute studies and assessments

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with employees, customers, Aerospace program offices, and contractors

Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in briefings, formal reports, and informal communications

Available and willing to travel domestically and/or internationally approx. 5-10%

A current and active Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out

Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) from an accredited program in a relevant engineering discipline

Experience in hiring, supervising, mentoring, and inspiring staff

Experience working in partnership with multiple Aerospace program offices and customers

Strong interpersonal networks with Aerospace and customer organizations that can be leveraged to establish collaborations and obtain sponsorship for projects

Experience in methods and processes for early life cycle systems engineering, system architecting, and US government system acquisition

Experience with Intelligence Community systems engineering and programmatic processes, methods, tools, and personnel

Experience with spacecraft, payloads, ground systems, launch systems, missile systems, nuclear weapon systems, and/or aircraft systems

Experience with space system architecture conceptual design, analysis, and concurrent engineering techniques

Experience with architecture modeling and/or descriptive system modeling for MBSE

Experience with architecture frameworks such as the Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF) or the Unified Architecture Framework (UAF)

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)

$168,200.00 - $252,400.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• •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

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for em