The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nations 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, youll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our countrys space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

The Electronics Intercept and Measurements Department (EIMD) is a newly established organization within MPD, focused on advancing SIGINT mission analysis for National Security applications. Our team will specialize in signals intelligence collection, processing, and exploitation across the electromagnetic spectrum. EIMD will support all aspects of SIGINT system development for IC and DoD customers: assessing performance, modeling signal intercept, and applying advanced signal processing techniques to inform critical program decisions.

We are seeking a visionary director to establish and lead EIMD. As the founding director, you will build a world-class organization chartered to provide the analytical capabilities and technical expertise needed to help the government design, evaluate, and operate advanced SIGINT collection systems. You will provide organizational and technical leadership, establish the department’s strategic direction, grow internal and external technical collaborations, and develop new business opportunities with U.S. Government Intelligence Community and Department of Defense customers. If you’re passionate about signals intelligence, electronic warfare, and solving hard problems across a broad set of national security missions, join our team and help shape the future of SIGINT capabilities.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at Chantilly, VA

What Youll Be Doing

Build and Lead a High-Impact Technical Team

Establish and lead a team dedicated to providing technical expertise in support of SIGINT mission areas for national security customers

Develop and deliver EIMD expertise in: Signal intercept system design and performance analysis SIGINT mission satisfaction assessment and architecture trades Advanced signal processing, emitter characterization, and geolocation techniques SIGINT mission planning and effectiveness assessment

Recruit, develop, and retain top talent to build a premier SIGINT technical organization

Establish technical roadmaps that anticipate customer priority needs in SIGINT collection, processing, and exploitation

Develop enterprise solutions through teaming across ETG divisions and Program Office Partners across the Intelligence Community / DoW

Maintain team awareness of rapidly evolving SIGINT programs, technologies, and methodologies

What You Need to be Successful Department Director

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related STEM field

12+ years of experience with 6+ years of experience in the following technical areas: signal intercept system design, RF propagation, digital signal processing, emitter characterization and identification, SIGINT geolocation techniques, electronic order of battle analysis, or SIGINT mission planning

Deep understanding of Intelligence Community SIGINT operations, requirements, and architectures

Proven ability to lead projects from concept to successful delivery of customer and business objectives in the national security domain

Demonstrated ability to guide teams in a dynamic environment, adapting to shifting priorities and ensuring alignment with urgent customer needs

Commitment to maintaining a customer-focused approach, navigating challenges with creativity and collaboration, and communicating clearly and effectively across various formats and audiences, including senior government officials

Willingness to travel domestically, approximately 10%D

This position requires a current and active Top Secret/SCI clearance with polygraph (or eligibility and willingness to obtain). 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 (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related STEM field

15+ years of experience in SIGINT system design, operations, or mission analysis

Prior experience managing high-performing technical teams and managers in the Intelligence Community or DoD environment

Experience working directly with Intelligence Community customers in operational or acquisition roles

Technical expertise in emerging areas such as cognitive electronic warfare, AI/ML for signal analysis, or multi-INT fusion

Proven ability to grow and maintain a healthy organizational culture and foster a supportive, collaborative environment

Strong familiarity with the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group (ETG) organization, resources, capabilities, personnel management, and approach to customer needs

Published research or recognized expertise in SIGINT-related technical areas

Experience with agile development methodologies and modern software engineering practices for SIGINT applications

We offer a competitive compensation package where youll 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)

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 otherthe 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 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, 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 youre 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .