Director, Photonics Technology 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. We remain committed to maintaining a safe environment for hiring as we look forward to the future of work. Click here for information on Aerospace's COVID-19 directives and safety procedures implemented to keep our workplace safe. Job Summary Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) has more than 100 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The diverse expertise of the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems. The Photonics Technology Department (PTD) scientists and engineers are developing innovative laser applications and photonic technologies for space applications. Exciting research and development is being explored in the fields of photonic integration, optical communications, advanced precision timekeeping, lidar and laser remote sensing, laser development, material and device physics characterization and directed energy applications. As the Director, Photonics Technology Department, you will lead and develop a group of top scientists and engineers, drive new research for innovative new photonic technologies and applications, and work with emerging customers to develop new business. This position will be located 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA and can support telework dictated by business needs. Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Aerospace Virtual Tours What You’ll Be Doing You will develop the department vision, and an executable and sustainable strategy, where the strategy must show connections from technical work in department to internal and external stakeholders S/he will cultivate relationships with customers to facilitate understanding of existing and emerging challenges in their programs and develop R&D objectives around these challenges Develop staff and identify critical focus areas to apply state of the art photonic technologies and applications to address program challenges You will provide organizational leadership to provide strategic vision and effectively communicate organization direction to the entire department and across the organization Manage a diverse portfolio of cutting-edge research matched to national security space programs and missions Work with customers and staff to develop product and delivery goals and commitments Recruit, hire, and develop exceptional talent across a broad portfolio of laser applications photonic technology development Develop and implement innovation strategies for staff and career progression using corporate processes and outside-the-box opportunities What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements: Bachelors degree in optics, atomic physics, physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, or related discipline is required Typically, 8 years of applicable professional or educational experience in photonics and related technical areas Experience managing scientists, engineers and technical staff will be required Strong understanding working in a dynamic environment with multiple research focus areas Knowledge in developing and leading interdisciplinary teams, and building consensus on complex problems Experience managing departmental budgets and administrative processes Must demonstrate a strong aptitude for managing proposals and contracts, specifically with DoD and other government agencies Experience executing developed strategies Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 20% (as required) 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 optics, atomic physics, physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, or related discipline is highly preferred Typically, 12 years of applicable professional or educational experience in photonics and related technical areas is highly desirable Specific experience with laser and sensor applications is preferred A current and active TS/SCI security clearance is strongly desired, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. 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.