The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers' portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The United States Space Force (USSF) is executing critical missions to protect and defend U.S. space capabilities in an increasingly contested domain. The Orbital Warfare Directorate supports several fast-paced, high-visibility programs that are essential to USSF operations and national security. These programs require agile execution, innovative technical approaches, and close collaboration with government and industry partners to maintain U.S. advantage in space.

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Principal Director to lead our support to the Orbital Warfare Directorate. This Principal Director will provide strategic leadership for a dynamic portfolio of programs, driving innovation in how Aerospace delivers value to our government customers and industry partners. The successful candidate will expand Aerospace's "Government Furnished Talent" model, leverage cutting-edge Modeling and Simulation capabilities, and build high-performing collaborative teams that operate at the speed of relevance. This role requires a leader who can lean forward to identify new opportunities, navigate complex stakeholder relationships, and deliver excellence in support of critical national security missions.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead Aerospace support to the Orbital Warfare Directorate across multiple fast-paced, high-visibility programs essential to USSF mission success.
• Lean forward to identify and develop new ways to leverage Aerospace support to government customers and contractor partners, expanding our "Government Furnished Talent" model.
• Drive innovation in the use of Modeling and Simulation to accelerate program execution, reduce risk, and enhance decision-making for customers.
• Build and lead high-performing, cross-functional teams that collaborate effectively both internal to Aerospace and with external partners.
• Manage strategic relationships with senior government stakeholders, ensuring Aerospace delivers timely, relevant, and high-quality support.
• Communicate complex technical and programmatic concepts to diverse audiences, including senior corporate leadership, government customers, and industry partners.
• Develop and mentor staff members, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and mission excellence.
• Identify emerging customer needs and proactively position Aerospace capabilities to address future challenges in the orbital warfare domain.
• Report progress, insights, and recommendations to government leadership and Aerospace Senior Leadership on a regular basis.
• Ensure program execution aligns with both customer requirements and Aerospace strategic objectives.

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements - Principal Director:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical subject area (engineering, physics, computer science, or related field).
• Fifteen or more years of professional related experience and 10 or more years of experience supporting National Security Space missions or Department of Defense programs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• Strong collaborative skills with proven ability to work effectively across organizational boundaries, both internal to Aerospace and with external government and industry partners.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and persuasively to technical and non-technical audiences at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to be innovative and identify new approaches to deliver customer value.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with senior government customers and stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to develop staff in a high-paced environment.
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance with the ability to maintain Special Program Access, which is issued by the U.S. government; and 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:

• Experience managing large, high-visibility programs with significant impact on national security missions.
• Ability to lead fast-paced, high-performance teams that deliver results under tight timelines and evolving requirements.
• Demonstrates enterprise-level perspective with prior Program Office(s) and ETG experience
• Managing and influencing senior-level government stakeholders, including Program Executive Officers, flag officers, and senior civilian leadership.
• Building cross-functional, high-performance, and collaborative teams that span multiple technical disciplines and organizational boundaries.
• Experience with Modeling and Simulation technologies and their application to space operations, mission planning, or system development.
• Knowledge of orbital warfare concepts, space domain awareness, or space control operations.
• Experience implementing innovative workforce models such as Government Furnished Talent or embedded support arrangements.
• Understanding of the evolving threat environment in space and implications for USSF operations.
• Proven track record of identifying and capturing new business opportunities or expanding customer relationships.
• Experience working in Special Access Programs or other highly classified 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)
$208,000.00 - $312,000.00

Pay Basis: Annual

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.