General Manager - Communications and Navigation Capabilities Division

Job Overview

The Aerospace Corporation is a federally funded research and development center delivering solutions in satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. The Defense Systems Group (DSG) offers analysis-based decision support on space architectures, policy, and strategy to senior leaders in the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command and other national security organizations.

The role of General Manager (CNCD) reports to the Vice President of Defense Space Acquisition and leads acquisition and integration across the MILSATCOM and PNT portfolio of programs for the Space Systems Command (SSC) Program Executive Officer.

Los Angeles Air Force Base , ElSegundo, CA (on‑site full time). Personnel may also be located at Peterson, Schriever, and contractor facilities.

• Provide strong leadership for the Communications and Navigation Capabilities Division, developing and implementing vision, strategy and objectives.
• Set expectations, mentor, provide feedback, and coach staff to form an agile and effective management team.
• Model Aerospace core values and leadership attributes with workforce, customers and mission partners.
• Establish trusted relationships with senior leaders in the customer organization and across SSC, SpOC, and other DoD stakeholder groups.
• Lead to influence customers and stakeholders toward resilient integrated architectures leveraging commercial capabilities and international partnerships.
• Drive change to the status quo and challenge existing approaches.
• Position Aerospace to provide high‑value products for customers’ complex problems.
• Collaborate with other FFRDCs and UARCs to support customers’ mission objectives.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships between engineering/technology groups and corporate program offices.

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM or related discipline.
• 14+ years of progressive management and technical experience in space systems acquisition and program management.
• Demonstrated ability to build high‑performance multidisciplinary teams with a solution‑oriented, enterprise mindset.
• Proven track record building trusted partnerships with senior government officials, contractors and corporate executives.
• Strong business and financial acumen with constructive problem‑solving techniques.
• Ability to make time‑critical mission decisions with incomplete or ambiguous data.
• Expertise in relationship building, collaboration, complex problem solving, critical thinking and mentoring.
• Strong executive presence and effective communication skills with diverse audiences.
• Occasional travel required.
• Active Top‑Secret Security Clearance with SCI access.
• U.S. Citizenship required to obtain a security clearance.

• Advanced graduate technical or business degree.
• Enterprise‑level perspective with prior Program Office and ETG experience.
• Experience in MILSATCOM and PNT mission areas.
• Experience in space operations and integration of commercial capabilities for military use.
• Ability to manage large portfolios across multiple mission domains.
• Significant leadership role influencing senior leadership.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
• 401(k) plan with company match and vesting upon hire.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
• Relocation assistance.
• Professional growth, development, and education assistance programs.
• Inclusive work environment that values teamwork, flexibility, and respect.

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.

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