Job description
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 Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) is a diverse scientific organization that provides a broad and innovative research and development backplane for a growing space enterprise. PSL’s impact is grown through a diverse research portfolio that blends foundational scientific research with cutting-edge technology development to serve a broad customer base. PSL’s exclusive ability to work with all stakeholders: (government, industry, and academia) enables us to provide novel solutions to the most challenging issues in current and future technology applications. The strength of PSL comes from the combination of cutting-edge tools and facilities, a vast repository of space-system knowledge, and the extensive technical expertise of our people. We harness these tools and expertise in over 150 different laboratories to tackle the new challenges for the space enterprise.
This position in the Photonics Technologies Department (PTD) will lead the adoption of photonics technologies into space applications. The department’s work is enhancing the current and next-generation space architecture and bringing new capability to the forefront. As a Senior Project Leader, you will work on developing microwave photonics, atomic physics, laser systems, and related technologies into concepts that are solutions for our customers’ problems.
This position will be located 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA.
Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here:
Aerospace Virtual Tours
What You’ll Be Doing
-
You will collaboratively execute the department vision and strategy, broadly across photonics, by helping customers adopt technical solutions for their missions
-
You will connect these solutions to additional funding organizations across the company’s internal customers groups as well as to external agencies
-
S/he will cultivate relationships with customers to facilitate understanding of existing and emerging challenges in their programs
-
You will work with the Department Director and Senior Staff to develop R&D objectives around these challenges
-
Provide organizational leadership to effectively communicate organization direction and strategic vision to technology stakeholders
-
S/he will help develop department capability in this area (microwave and integrated photonics) through mentoring and directing junior staff on relevant projects
-
Work with the team to provide timely and accurate feedback to a wide range of customers and senior management
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
-
Bachelors degree in optics, atomic physics, physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, or related discipline, from an accredited program is required
-
Typically, 12 years of experience in photonics and related technical areas, and managing scientific and technical staff
-
Subject matter expertise in the integrated photonics industry and related photonics technologies
-
Experience working in a dynamic environment with multiple research focus areas
-
Work with customers to identify new opportunities, develop proposals to execute on such opportunities according to corporate research strategies
-
Experience with proposals and contracts, specifically with DoD and other government agencies
-
Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)
-
This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. 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:
-
Ph.D. or equivalent degree in in optics, atomic physics, physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, or related discipline, from an accredited program is strongly preferred
-
Experience working across the organization, i.e. with senior management and product/ program stakeholders is desired
-
Specific experience with laser and sensor applications is preferable
-
The ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, is highly desirable. 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 - Mid - Max)
$140,000 - $165,000 - $225,000
Pay Basis: Annual
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 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
.
seankuhnke.com is the go-to platform for job seekers looking for the best job postings from around the web. With a focus on quality, the platform guarantees that all job postings are from reliable sources and are up-to-date. It also offers a variety of tools to help users find the perfect job for them, such as searching by location and filtering by industry. Furthermore, seankuhnke.com provides helpful resources like resume tips and career advice to give job seekers an edge in their search. With its commitment to quality and user-friendliness, seankuhnke.com is the ideal place to find your next job.