Apply on Employer Site

The Aerospace Corporation · 2 weeks ago

Director, Photonics Technology Department

El Segundo, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$185K/yr - $278K/yr

8+ years exp

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the Director of the Photonics Technology Department, you will lead a team of scientists and engineers in developing innovative laser applications and photonic technologies for space applications.

AerospaceGovernmentInnovation ManagementMilitary

Work & Life Balance

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

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

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

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

Qualification

PhotonicsOptical communicationsLaser applicationsInterdisciplinary team leadershipBudget managementProposal managementStrategic visionStaff developmentCustomer relationship managementDynamic environment adaptability

Required

Bachelors degree in optics, atomic physics, physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, or related discipline is required

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 of how to work 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

Preferred

Advanced degree in optics, atomic physics, physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, or related discipline is highly preferred

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

Benefits

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