Manager - Ordnance, Pyrotechnics, and Explosives

aero; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 134,200 - 201,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

401(k) Plan with company contributions

Paid holidays and vacation

Education assistance programs

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

Aerospace Corporation is seeking an Ordnance, Pyrotechnics, and Explosives Manager to lead projects related to explosive devices and systems at their location in El Segundo, California. This role demands a minimum of five years in relevant engineering or scientific work and includes responsibilities such as managing technical teams and ensuring project success.

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in physical sciences or engineering, with a preference for higher education. A competitive compensation package and benefits are included.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of engineering/scientific experience.
• Ability to travel occasionally to work locations (10%).
• U.S. citizenship required for security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead technical projects related to explosive devices.
• Cultivate relationships with government partners and contractors.
• Develop strategic plans to improve technical capabilities.

Skills

Experience with explosive/pyrotechnic devices

Project management

Technical evaluations

Strong leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physical sciences or engineering

Master’s or PhD degree in STEM (preferred)

Tools

Hydrocode analysis tools (e.g., CTH, LS‑DYNA)

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.

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; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Mechanical Systems Department (MSD) offers a diverse range of capabilities that enable and support the effective implementation of technical and programmatic mission assurance activities on space systems, launch systems, and related systems. MSD staff support all program phases beginning with pre‑contract evaluations, design and development activities followed by build, test, and pedigree review, launch, initialization, and operations events. MSD is the ETG source of expertise in moving mechanical assemblies (MMAs), ordnance‑driven devices, other explosives applications and high‑velocity impact analysis, separation systems and analyses, ball bearings, gears, valves, component mass properties, related technologies, and exploitation of our knowledge and tools in solving non‑traditional and emerging problems. We are looking for an Ordnance, Pyrotechnics, and Explosives Manager (Explosives – Aeronautical & Mechanical Engineering).

What You’ll Be Doing

• Plan and lead technical projects and evaluations for space, launch and missile systems and other customers related to separation and deployment systems, explosive devices, and hydrocode analysis
• Identify, select, and assign engineering personnel, monitor quality of work, report progress, resolve significant technical issues, and assure project success
• Cultivate and maintain strong and effective working relationships with government partners, contractors, and Aerospace organizations in the Engineering Technology Group and Program Offices
• Develop and execute strategic planning to establish and improve the organization’s technical capabilities, analysis tools, standards, and documentation
• Set and manage expectations to inspire staff with technical excellence and product delivery
• Conduct staff performance assessments and direct career development, training, and establish staffing needs to meet department goals
• Participate in the development/refinement of analysis tools and techniques, including hydrocode analysis methodologies

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in physical sciences or engineering
• Five or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience
• Experience with the design, integration, and testing related to explosive/pyrotechnic devices and systems typical of launch vehicles, missile systems, and spacecraft
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites 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

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Master’s or PhD degree in a STEM field including relevant coursework (e.g., conservation laws, continuum mechanics)
• Understanding properties of energetic materials, detonation, deflagration, ignition methods, sensitivity, combustion, or thermochemistry
• Understanding physics of shock and impact, ballistic penetration, dynamic behavior of materials, damage, or fracture
• Experience with types of analyses to examine design alternatives, investigate failures, verify performance and/or check compliance with applicable specifications
• Experience in the use of explicit transient hydrocode and finite element analysis tools (e.g., CTH, LS‑DYNA)
• Knowledge of AIAA‑S‑113, RCC 319, MIL‑DTL‑23659, SMC‑S‑016 standards
• Current and active TS/SCI 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)

$134,200.00 - $201,300.00

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. 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 various 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 employer. 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 [e-mail]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.