Director, Space Tech Development & Systems Engineering

The Aerospace Corporation; Chantilly, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

401(k) matching

Relocation assistance

Education assistance

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in Chantilly, VA is seeking a Systems Director for Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering to lead a cadre of engineers and scientists in discovering, developing, and demonstrating next generation space technologies.

This full-time onsite role requires TS/SCI clearance, U.S. citizenship, and a minimum of 12 years in space systems or related fields, with proven technical leadership and experience prototyping hardware.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in science, engineering, or mathematics.
• At least 12 years of experience in space systems, technology development, or related fields.
• Experience with space technology R&D and hardware prototyping.
• Strong technical leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Active TS/SCI with polygraph; U.S. citizenship for clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead acquisition and prototyping of CubeSats and hardware for capability development.
• Provide strategic guidance for future space architectures to inform investments.
• Set organizational objectives and communicate them across teams.
• Ensure activities align with policies and goals while coordinating with government customers.
• Direct performance reviews, staffing, and career development.
• Oversee security processes, compliance, and safety.
• Develop and manage customer support plans to maximize impact.
• Collaborate across Aerospace and NSG/USSF and IC.

Skills

Technical leadership

Program management

Systems engineering

Communication skills

Security clearance TS/SCI

Willingness to travel (domestic)

Education

Bachelor’s or Advanced degree in science, engineering, or mathematics

Tools

Prototyping equipment

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation in Chantilly, VA is seeking a Systems Director for Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering to lead a cadre of engineers and scientists in discovering, developing, and demonstrating next generation space technologies.

This full-time onsite role requires TS/SCI clearance, U.S. citizenship, and a minimum of 12 years in space systems or related fields, with proven technical leadership and experience prototyping hardware.