Senior Director, National Security Launch

aero; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 240,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Paid holidays

401(k) Plan

Relocation assistance

Education assistance

Inclusive work environment

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA, seeks a Principal Director of the Launch Directorate to lead a dispersed team delivering mission engineering for critical space launch programs. You will advise senior government and Aerospace leaders on risk, readiness, and long‑term strategy, with frequent travel to Chantilly, VA and launch bases.

The role requires senior engineering leadership, extensive launch experience, and a active security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Advanced degree in engineering, mathematics, physical sciences or other discipline relevant to launch system integration.
• Fifteen or more years of progressively responsible experience in technical developments, space systems and/or space launch operations.
• Direct experience with the launch of national security systems and working knowledge of today’s launch systems.
• Proven experience as a people leader.
• Proven ability to create and execute plans with long‑term impact.
• Outstanding communication skills with executives and subject matter experts.
• Willing to travel domestically up to 50% and hold a current TS/SSBI/SCI clearance with polygraph.

Responsibilities

• Lead a geographically dispersed team delivering launch systems and mission engineering for national security launches.
• Provide critical launch mission assurance engineering through a dedicated team.
• Advise customer leadership on long‑term direction, risk assessments, and mission readiness of launch hardware.
• Collaborate with USSF Launch Enterprise leaders and Aerospace executives to support mission readiness.
• Manage schedules, budgets and personnel for direct PTS staff and oversight of PTS across the Office of Space Launch.
• Develop leaders and launch mission integration experts through mentoring and program oversight.

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA, seeks a Principal Director of the Launch Directorate to lead a dispersed team delivering mission engineering for critical space launch programs. You will advise senior government and Aerospace leaders on risk, readiness, and long‑term strategy, with frequent travel to Chantilly, VA and launch bases.

The role requires senior engineering leadership, extensive launch experience, and a active security clearance.