Manager - Autonomous Systems Engineering

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.

Vehicle Engineering and Autonomy is part of the Vehicle Systems Division, the premier satellite and launch vehicle technical organization within the Aerospace Corporation. Vehicle Engineering and Autonomy is responsible for advanced autonomy for space systems. Our team is seeking an experienced Manager - Autonomous Systems Engineering (Manager- Multi-Disciplinary Engineering) to help manage the leading edge of research and integration of autonomous systems.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead a team of early career engineers to foster their technical growth and advance the state of autonomous systems
• Provide technical contributions to advanced autonomy at Aerospace as an individual contributor
• Execute analytical and testing capabilities to meet the needs of highly autonomous systems
• Work closely with senior staff and the Vehicle Engineering and Autonomy (VE&A) management team to help customers to identify their autonomy needs and foster lasting relationships that support the entire design and operational life cycle of critical space systems
• Establishing VE&A subject matter expertise by applying relevant engineering and analytical skills
• Provide direct technical support to a variety of space programs with a focus on autonomy, modeling, simulation, and analysis
• Support ongoing research into Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) development for testing satellite systems, especially those incorporating artificial intelligence into their architecture
• Foster an innovative culture among the team members
• Engage in cross- Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) collaboration to achieve optimal solutions

What You Need to be Successful - Manager - Autonomous Systems Engineering (Manager- Multi-Disciplinary Engineering)

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field is required
• A minimum of (5) years of experience in space vehicles is required
• Knowledge with electro-mechanical engineering principals is required
• Familiarity with at least one spacecraft discipline, dynamics, control, or artificial intelligence is needed for the role
• Experience with technical teams to solve complex problems and identify analytical or testing verification processes
• Sound communication skills with an ability to explain complex technical issues, activities, architectures and designs, and operations to staff and customers with limited engineering background
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment on multiple projects
• Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs (domestically/internationally) approximately 10% (as required)
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out

• Advanced degree or experience in autonomous systems is strongly preferred
• Vehicle or subsystem simulation and test experience is highly desirable
• Experience with hardware-software interfacing and communications, or embedded systems is preferable
• Prior technical leadership experience is strongly favored
• A current and active TS/SCI security clearance, 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

• 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.

• 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 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 You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.