Section Manager - Mechatronics Modeling and Simulation

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.

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.

The Electromechanical Control Department (ECD) is charged with the responsibility of providing technical support in the areas of control system hardware and algorithms for both spacecraft and launch vehicles. ECD subject matter experts specialize in key components such as gyroscopes, star trackers, encoders, motors, accelerometers, reaction wheels, fast steering mirrors, servo mechanisms, GPS receivers, thrust vector control, and others. The department performs both technical studies and experimental investigations to support customer programs.

Technical studies often involve the analysis, simulation, evaluation, or testing of control systems and their components. Experimental investigations may include controller design and implementation, data reduction and visualization, sensor and actuator performance evaluation, and electro-optical systems calibration and alignment. Tasks typically involve interaction with government customers, program management, and contractors.

As the Section Manager of the Mechatronics Modeling and Simulation section within ECD, you will spearhead technical leadership, mentorship, and career growth for our team members. You will foster their professional development through targeted assignments, mentoring relationships, specialized training, and consistent feedback. Collaborating with the department director and section managers, you will contribute to staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and other supervisory responsibilities.

Your role will also encompass guiding technical studies, simulations, analyses, and testing of electromechanical control systems to support a range of satellite and launch vehicle programs. By applying engineering principles, you will tackle multifaceted challenges, participate in strategic planning, and provide expert insights on customer projects.

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA that combines 4 to 5 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

• Lead and mentor the Mechatronics Modeling and Simulation Section of the department, offering technical guidance and career development support for 5-7 early to mid-career engineering professionals
• Elevate team members' technical competencies and contextual understanding through tailored work assignments, mentoring relationships, and training initiatives
• Collaborate with department leadership to address staffing needs, conduct performance reviews, and manage supervisory tasks
• Lead technical studies involving testing, modeling, simulation, and analysis of electromechanical control systems and components for satellite and launch vehicle programs
• Apply engineering methodologies to a wide spectrum of problems, contributing to innovative solutions
• Engage in new business endeavors and strategic planning, potentially bringing in tasks and projects from both internal and external sources
• Provide oversight, counsel,…