New

Associate Director - Parts, Materials, and Processes Department

The Aerospace Corporation
paid holidays, sick time, 401(k), relocation assistance
United States, California, El Segundo
Dec 20, 2025
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! Information about the department and why it is interesting to work there. The Parts, Materials & Processes Department (PMPD) includes subject matter experts across a broad range of areas pertaining to electrical, electronic, and electromechanical (EEE) parts procurement, qualification, application, root cause failure analysis, as well as materials and processes. Our expertise combined with a sophisticated in-house electronic component laboratory deliver innovative analysis and PM&P program management capabilities to national space systems and civil customers. PMPD is seeking an Associate Director to work under the supervision of the Department Director and assist with managing the organization Work Model: The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA. What You'll Be Doing Assist the Director with management support in all areas including: Overseeing the department's operations, assessing sufficiency and quality of services. Lead, coach/mentor staff during career development, organizational improvements, and initiatives. Managing inter-organizational teams and customer relationships. Driving innovation in PM&P management to enable use of commercial technology commensurate with program risk tolerance. Providing PM&P management support to our customers as needed What You Need to be Successful - Associate Director Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in materials science, electrical engineering, physics, or another appropriate discipline 12 or more years of progressively responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including significant experience in a supervisory role Demonstrated technical leadership, strong interpersonal and communication skills required for interacting with Aerospace peers, internal and external customers, and contractor representatives. Ability to clearly define technical tasks, form and lead technical teams, establish priorities and motivate outstanding performance Proven ability in PM&P management, associated industry/military standards, and knowledge of component analysis laboratory instruments and methods Current Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance or the ability to obtain one (US citizenship required) Ability to travel required: ~25% How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: Advanced degree from an accredited university in materials science, electrical engineering, physics, or another appropriate discipline Working knowledge of systems engineering processes and supporting mission assurance disciplines pertaining to PM&P management Experience in assessing or selecting commercial off-the-shelf parts for high-reliability space and/or missile applications Program office or equivalent experience Current Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance Working knowledge of software tools for agile project management and collaboration Prior experience in a supervisory rolethat included performance management Ability to meet administrative, budgetary and technical constraints and schedules Prior experience developing staff and facilitating their efforts to delight customers Active TS/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) $168,200 - $253,400 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 equalopportunity 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,geneticinformation, 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 emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.