Director – Parts, Materials, and Processes Department

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!

We are looking for a strategic Director to lead the Parts, Materials, and Processes (PMP) Department – a world-class team advancing the reliability and performance of National Security Space and civil space programs. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the technical foundation and strategy of the nation’s most critical space missions and serve as a trusted advisor to organizations including the U.S. Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), NASA, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). In this role, you’ll also have access to Aerospace’s state-of-the-art Electronics Components Laboratory to drive innovation and advance our technical capabilities alongside experts across
electrical/electronic/electromechanical (EEE) parts engineering, materials science, advanced processes and packaging, parts procurements and qualification, and root-cause failure analysis .

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, requiring four days onsite per week minimum.

What You’ll Be Doing

Shape the Future of PM&P Technical Strategy

- Provide organizational and technical leadership to a multi-disciplinary team ensuring component reliability and mission assurance for DoW, IC, and civil space programs
- Build and champion a forward-looking department strategy that anticipates customer needs, positions the department as an indispensable partner, and addresses emerging challenges including supply chain resilience, COTS qualification, and component obsolescence
- Grow and develop the team and technical expertise needed for future mission challenges in cutting-edge areas such as GaN devices, advanced packaging, and counterfeit detection
- Serve as the trusted authority and advisor for PM&P to shape policy and technical standards at the highest levels
- Cultivate the Electronic Components Lab (ECL) into a leading experimentation and testing facility, identifying opportunities to expand its capabilities, partnerships, and strategic value

Collaborate Across Aerospace and Beyond

- Deliver high-impact technical solutions through collaboration and strong partnerships across Aerospace, advancing both program and organizational goals
- Lead cross-functional teams through anomaly investigations, procurement reviews, and qualification campaigns, translating complex challenges into actionable outcomes
- Represent Aerospace on industry committees and working groups, expanding our influence and reputation while fostering relationships with internal and external stakeholders

Drive Organizational Excellence

- Guide work assignments and team performance to ensure reliability in quality, schedule, and compliance with cost and technical requirements
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities while strategically managing department operations for impact and long-term growth
- Recruit, retain, and develop top engineering talent by cultivating an engaging, innovative, and action-oriented culture that empowers our team
- Ensure technical rigor and excellence in all deliverables, and lead the response to critical investigations when it matters most

What You Need to be Successful – Department Director

Minimum Requirements:

- Degree from an accredited university in engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, or a related discipline
- Ten or more years of applicable experience in parts, materials, and processes engineering for aerospace or space systems
- Demonstrated technical ability in areas such as EEE parts engineering/qualification, COTS parts insertion strategies, and component characterization or failure analysis
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and developing top engineering talent
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence technical organizations and present to senior government leaders
- Experience in new business development and customer relationship management
- Willing to travel domestically up to 10%
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance (requires U.S. citizenship)

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

- Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a related discipline
- Twelve or more years of progressively responsible PM&P experience for space systems
- Significant supervisory experience, including performance management or organizational change leadership
- Direct mission system experience within contractor or Aerospace program office
- Knowledge of emerging technologies: GaN devices, advanced packaging, and AI/ML applications to PM&P
- Demonstrated leadership within the PM&P community, such as chairing PMPCB boards, contributing to industry standards, publishing to shared industry databases, or pioneering qualification methodologies
- Current and active Top Secret/SCI clearance

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

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 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, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at  [email protected] . You can also review  Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .