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 Aerospace Corporation is seeking a dynamic leader to serve as a Project Manager in our Business Transformation Office (BTO). The Project Manager will be responsible to drive business-critical, cross-organizational, and highly visible transformation initiatives spanning across the company.
As a project manager, you know how to get things done by establishing trust among your team and credibility in the projects you support. You are a strategic thinker who is always looking ahead for what’s next and are able to work cross‐functionally and influence key stakeholders to drive alignment.
This is a high-visibility role in a growing organization within the Aerospace Corporation.
Work Model
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA, offering a hybrid work model that combines regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. Other Aerospace locations will be considered.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Manage enterprise projects from initial concept to project completion.
- Lead across multiple project phases (discovery, design, deployment, optimization), workstreams / process areas and teams to maintain project momentum.
- Develop comprehensive project plans that include deliverables, estimated timelines, action owners and risk mitigation strategies.
- Maintain an organized project using project management tools (Cora, Smartsheet, Jira, etc.)
- Structure analytical approaches and develop project strategies and tactics.
- Coordinate efforts of matrixed multi-disciplinary teams, including third party consultants or contractors, to deliver projects according to plan.
- Clearly articulate Risks, Actions, Issues, Decisions for escalation within the organization.
- Facilitate alignment and prioritization of any required enablement activities being driven by supporting organizations.
- Support establishment of modern project management methodologies throughout the organization that are responsive to our needs and business model.
- Support change management efforts to implement the associated new processes, people skill changes/ training, and/or tool changes resulting from assigned transformation initiatives.
- Run effective project meetings and facilitate team understanding and decision-making.
- Manage key relationships. Provide regular status updates to stakeholders.
- Build and maintain user / customer relationships through project delivery.
- Develop domain and technical knowledge necessary to understand and deliver successful implementations.
- Own project- related reporting and lessons-learned documentation.
- Contribute to the development of innovative principles and ideas.
- Manage multiple concurrent enterprise projects from initial communication to project completion.
- Proactively identify, communicate, and resolve inter-dependencies, risks, and issues and deliver successful project outcomes.
- Lead the establishment of modern project management methodologies throughout the organization that are responsive to our needs and business model.
- Develop recommendations for optimizing business and financial performance.
- Lead successful implementation and governance of the associated new processes, people skill changes/ training, and/or tool changes resulting from assigned transformation initiatives.
- Manage key relationships. Provide regular status updates to stakeholders, maintain effective communication with leadership to keep them aware of critical issues and action plans.
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Project Management Staff III:
- Bachelor’s degree in sciences, engineering, mathematics, IT, business analytics, business management, or related field.
- 5+ years of proven experience in Project Management, including a track record of on-time, on-budget, on-performance delivery.
- Experience in business processes, including process flow definition and documentation, and evaluation of to-be process improvements.
- Strong sense of accountability and ownership.
- Proven ability to organize/manage multiple priorities coupled with the flexibility to quickly adapt to ever changing business needs.
- Superior analytical thinking, analysis problem-solving, organizational, decision-making, written, oral and interpersonal skills.
- Proven communication and cross functional collaboration skills that translate across both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Superior group facilitation and influential communication skills.
- Strong familiarity with project management software.
- This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Project Management Staff IV include:
- Bachelor’s degree in sciences, engineering, mathematics, IT, business analytics, business management, or related field.
- 10+ years of proven experience in Project Management, including a track record of on-time, on-budget, on-performance delivery.
- Thrives on leading through change and complexity, helping their team solve complex problems with simple, innovative solutions.
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
- Advanced degree, e.g., MBA
- Experience in Aerospace industry and /or Professional Services.
- Prior leadership role in transformation projects, e.g., process improvements, tool / system implementations.
- Maintains vision on organization’s long-term goals and objectives while leading cross-functional teams or projects.
- Provides mentoring and guidance regarding transformation to all levels of employees.
- Routinely exercises independent judgment in developing methods, techniques, and criteria for achieving objectives.
- Ability to communicate abstract ideas clearly and independently manage complex project objectives.
- Active 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)
$100,806 - $171,552
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.