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 Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
Job Summary
The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.
The Thermal Control Department is a team of experienced, trusted engineers with deep expertise in the design and analysis of spacecraft thermal control systems from component to system level. The department performs technical studies, experimental investigations, and real-time assessments to inform and enable key decisions by our customers and their contractors.
We are looking for a Manager - Spacecraft Thermal Engineering (Manager - Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering) to lead the Thermal Design and Analysis Section within the Thermal Control Department. They should have a strong background in the disciplines of heat transfer and thermal engineering and their applications to space systems; and direct experience in thermal design and analysis of spacecraft. The successful applicant will support both classified and unclassified spacecraft programs with emphasis on classified systems. They will lead, equip, and mentor staff as they engage and advocate for the best solutions, best practices, and best innovations in the thermal design discipline across the space enterprise, both inside and outside Aerospace.
Work Model
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA, offering a hybrid work model that combines (4) regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
What You’ll Be Doing
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Lead and manage the Thermal Design and Analysis section, which is responsible for providing accurate, timely thermal models and analysis results for space vehicle and space payload programs, including organizational ownership of key thermal software and tools.
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Operate Strategically, planning and managing the training, development, and daily tasking of a team of 4-7 engineers. This includes: hiring and training staff, conducting performance reviews, optimizing employee productivity, and promoting professional growth
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Deliver Results by ensuring the relevance, quality, and integrity of the technical products generated by the section, while meeting schedule and budget requirements
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Lead Change, enhancing the section’s technical capabilities by developing or adopting new analytical or laboratory tools and improving knowledge management within the organization
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Foster Innovation, identifying and encouraging research and development activities
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Engage with Impact by increasing support and influence with existing and new customers and facilitating interaction and teamwork between section staff, department staff, and across Aerospace
What You Need to be Successful - Manager - Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering
Minimum Requirements:
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A Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or closely related field with emphasis in heat transfer or thermal sciences is required
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A minimum of (5) years thermal engineering experience is required
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Experience analyzing and designing spaceflight thermal control systems for all relevant modes of heat transfer and through all phases of program lifecycle
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Demonstrated initiative and excellent leadership skills, with proven ability to build and manage effective engineering teams
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Proven ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal and working relationships with various levels of corporate staff, peers, management, program offices, customers, and contractors
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Willing to travel occasionally to customer or contractor facilities approximately 10% time
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This position requires a current and active Secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. The ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance will be required (applicant will be submitted for this clearance upon hiring if they do not currently possess it). U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
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Advanced degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or closely related field is preferred
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(8+) years thermal engineering experience is preferred
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Advanced knowledge of Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, and at least one commercial thermal FEA software tool
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Experience in thermal analysis code and algorithm development
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Experience in one or more area of interdisciplinary thermal analysis: thermal distortion, STOP modeling, power-thermal, high-power RF systems, DITL- or DRM-based thermal analysis, contamination, and/or thermal energy systems modeling
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Deep knowledge of thermodynamics, cryogenics, and two-phase thermophysics
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Experience in adjacent engineering disciplines for spaceflight hardware: systems engineering, control systems, fluid or propulsion systems, material physics, electronics, and/or power systems
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Experience leading projects on innovation, research, and development
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A current and active TS/SCI clearance (SSBI), which is issued by the U.S. government, is strongly preferred. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security 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)
$134,200 - $201,300
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:
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Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
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Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
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Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
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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
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Flexible spending accounts
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Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
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Relocation assistance
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Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
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Education assistance programs
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An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
We are all unique, from diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.