Director of the Imagery Products and Exploitation Department

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 the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country's space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

We are seeking a director to lead the Imagery Products and Exploitation Department (IPED). IPED applies its knowledge of national space systems, current technology, and image and signal processing to advise a variety of United States Government space-based sensing programs. IPED develops algorithms and applies mathematical principles to evaluate, develop, and exploit the spatial, spectral, and temporal content of data from cutting edge systems.

As Director, you will lead an organization chartered to provide the analytical capabilities and support needed to help the government maximize the value of remote sensing data products. You will provide organizational and technical leadership to the team, grow internal and external technical collaborations, and establish new business opportunities with U. S. Government, civil, and commercial customers. If you're passionate about sensors, data, and solving hard problems across a broad set of missions and customers, join our team and help shape the future of space sensing.

Work Model: This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA offering a hybrid work model that combines four regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

What You'll Be Doing

Lead a Nationally Recognized Technical Team and Drive Innovation

• Provide leadership to a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing technical expertise in support of multi-intelligence sensor systems used for remote sensing applications, detection and tracking, and geospatial analysis.

• Advance department expertise in 1) advanced algorithms for target detection, identification, tracking and data exploitation; 2) end-to-end, sensor-to-products systems engineering; and 3) developing novel algorithms, techniques and end products for customer workflows

• Implement high-impact strategies that exceed customer needs, foster innovation, and deliver transformative solutions

Shape the Future of Technical Excellence

• Drive the future of the department by developing top engineering talent and expanding technical capabilities to ensure the team stays ahead of advancements

• Identify and capture new business opportunities that position the organization as an industry leader

Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Build and lead high-impact cross-functional teams, aligning expertise with project needs and driving collaborative solutions

• Partner with fellow directors in the Mission Payloads Division to shape a cohesive team strategy, align technical efforts, and share best practices

Strategically Manage Budgets

• Oversee and optimize budgets to ensure efficient resource allocation, cost-effectiveness, and operational excellence

Drive Team Performance and Engagement

• Cultivate a high-performing team by setting clear expectations, providing continuous feedback, and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM-related field

• Minimum of ten years of related experience in image and signal processing for remote sensing or related applications

• Proven ability to lead projects from concept to successful delivery of customer and business objectives

• Technical expertise with image processing approaches and quality metrics, algorithms used in detection and tracking of objects in cluttered backgrounds, and/or development of artificial intelligence/machine learning techniques for space and ground systems

• Demonstrated ability to guide teams in a dynamic environment, adapting to shifting priorities, and ensuring alignment with customer needs

• Commitment to maintaining a customer-focused approach, navigating challenges with creativity and collaboration, and communicating clearly and effectively across various formats and audiences.

• Willingness to travel domestically approximately 10 - 15%

• This position requires the 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:

• Advanced degree in a STEM-related field

• Twelve or more years related experience in image and signal processing for remote sensing applications

• Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance

• Prior experience managing high-performing technical teams

• Proven ability to grow and maintain a healthy organizational culture and foster a supportive, collaborative environment.

• Demonstrated success in transitioning internal research and development projects to operational environments

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)

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• 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 equalopportunity 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,geneticinformation, 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 emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.