Director, Photonics Technology Department

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.

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) has more than 100 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The diverse expertise of the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems.

The Photonics Technology Department (PTD) scientists and engineers are developing innovative laser applications and photonic technologies for space applications. Exciting research and development is being explored in the fields of photonic integration, optical communications, advanced precision timekeeping, lidar and laser remote sensing, laser development, material and device physics characterization and directed energy applications.

As the Director, Photonics Technology Department, you will lead and develop a group of top scientists and engineers, drive new research for innovative new photonic technologies and applications, and work with emerging customers to develop new business.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, onsite at our location in El Segundo, CA.

Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here:
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• 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

Minimum Requirements:

• 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.