Associate Director Embedded Specialized Computing 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 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. The Embedded and Specialized Computing Department (ESCD) is seeking an Associate Director interested in leading teams and strategy for building innovative software and hardware prototypes with a focus on rapid electronics prototyping, accelerated & resilient computing, and spacecraft security. These prototypes and the associated lessons learned are crucial for government mission success. Example projects include design of custom single-board processing payloads, cryptographic integration for small satellites, optimization of artificial intelligence toolchains for embedded use cases, and evaluation of emerging architectures for customer missions. Members of this group provide design and implementation support to a wide range of customers including the Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and other civil customers (e.g. NASA). The ideal team member would have experience developing technical strategy, making personnel & logistical decisions, and leading innovative efforts for research-focused organizations. Candidates with experience leading embedded efforts are encouraged to apply – candidates are not required to be experts in all department topic areas. Work Model This position is a hybrid role and can sit partially remotely, with some onsite work required in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA. Aerospace is conducting our interviews via phone and videoconference. We are especially flexible with start dates & relocation. What You’ll Be Doing This is a dual engineering and management role: Lead project teams and contribute to technical design/ research efforts while ensuring personnel success. Work with Department Director to develop and execute our technical strategy and guide our research and development portfolio. Build teams with specialized skills and coordinate staffing priorities to ensure excellent support to customers. Collaborate with outside organizations to provide technical support and outreach of ESCD technical capabilities. Assign resources, provide technical demonstrations, coordinate activities, and connect with customers including those at the subdivision level. Recruit, hire, mentor, and lead engineering staff and managers to create novel prototypes in the fields of embedded computing platforms. What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university in electrical engineering, computer science, or another related discipline 8 or more years of relevant experience in design, analysis, test, and verification of digital and microelectronic hardware, including ASIC and/or FPGA design Previous management experience with highly technical staff Proven ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal and working relationships with different levels of corporate staff, peers, management, program offices, customers, and contractors Demonstrated ability to evaluate employee performance, especially in a remote working environment Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills for interactions at all organizational levels Willing to travel domestically up to 10% Current and active Secret clearance. Exceptional applicants with the ability to obtain a security clearance issued by the U.S. government will be considered. U.S. citizenship is required to be considered for a security clearance. How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: ESCD focuses on a variety of specialized computing and candidates are NOT expected to have interacted with all of the following technical areas; the following are suggested focus areas. Expert knowledge in design, analysis, test, and verification of digital and microelectronic hardware, including ASIC and/or FPGA design Experience with one or more of the following programming languages: VHDL/Verilog, Python, C/C and MATLAB, especially within Unix/Linux programming environments Experience with software architecture, review, and design for critical systems Experience with agile hardware design processes including PCB review, hardware bring-up & verification, and system-level integration. Experience using source control and documentation tools including Git and Confluence Good understanding of technical subject areas relating to applied machine learning, multi-core architectures, embedded security, or electronics integration Experience in providing departmental strategic and budget planning, workforce planning, recruiting, and staffing, succession planning, personnel development, and customer relationships Previous experience with integration for Air/Space Force space platforms such as satellites Advanced degree from an accredited university in electrical engineering, computer science, or another related discipline Current and active Top-Secret clearance briefed for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) 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 The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the supplement, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.