Manager - Vehicle Autonomy & System Trust

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.

Job Summary

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

Vehicle Autonomy & System Trust (VAST) is part of the Vehicle Systems Division, the premier satellite and launch vehicle technical organization within the Aerospace Corporation. VAST is responsible for advanced autonomy for space systems. Our team is seeking an experienced Manager - Vehicle Autonomy& System Trust (Manager- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning & Multi-disciplinary Engineering)to help manage the leading edge of research, integration, and validation of autonomous systems.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA that combines (4) to (5) regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead a team of early career engineers to foster their technical growth and advance the state of verification & validation of advanced autonomous systems

• Provide technical contributions to advanced autonomy at Aerospace as an individual contributor

• Execute analytical and testing capabilities to meet the needs of AI-enabled and highly autonomous systems

• Work closely with senior staff and the Vehicle Autonomy & System Trust (VAST) management team to help customers identify their autonomy needs and foster lasting relationships that support the entire design and operational life cycle of critical space systems

• Growing VAST subject matter expertise by applying relevant engineering and analytical skills

• Provide direct technical support to a variety of space programs with a focus on autonomy, modeling, simulation, and analysis

• Support ongoing research into modular and hybrid simulation-/software-/hardware-in-loop development for testing satellite systems, especially those incorporating artificial intelligence into their architecture

• Foster an innovative culture among the team members

• Engage in cross- Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) collaboration to achieve optimal solutions

• Provide on-site technical contributions and project leadership support to Aerospace customer organizations in Chantilly, VA

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Manager- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning & Multi-disciplinary Engineering include:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field is required

• A minimum of (5) years of space vehicle experience is required

• Knowledge in simulation and software development

• Experience in at least one spacecraft discipline such as dynamics, control, or artificial intelligence

• Experience working within technical teams to solve complex problems and identify analytical or testing verification processes

• Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs (domestically/internationally) approximately 10% (as required)

• This position requires acurrent and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Experience with verification and validation of complex space systems is strongly desired

• Vehicle or subsystem simulation and test experience is preferred

• Prior experience with hardware-software interfacing and communications, and/or embedded systems is preferred

• Experience with any of the following programming languages is preferable: Python, C, C++, or Java

• Experience with Robotic Operating System (ROS) or Basilisk software and simulation frameworks

• Prior technical leadership experience

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
• A 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.