Manager - Ordnance, Pyrotechnics, and Explosives

About this role

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 Mechanical Systems Department (MSD) offers a diverse range of capabilities that enable and support the effective implementation of technical and programmatic mission assurance activities on space systems, launch systems, and related systems. MSD staff support all program phases beginning with pre-contract evaluations, design and development activities followed by build, test, and pedigree review, launch, initialization, and operations events. MSD is the ETG source of expertise in moving mechanical assemblies (MMAs), ordnance-driven devices, other explosives applications and high-velocity impact analysis, separation systems and analyses, ball bearings, gears, valves, component mass properties, related technologies, and exploitation of our knowledge and tools in solving non-traditional and emerging problems. We are looking for an Ordnance, Pyrotechnics, and Explosives Manager (Exp losives – Aeronautical & Mechanical Engineering).

What You’ll Be Doing • Plan and lead technical projects and evaluations for space, launch and missile systems and other customers related to separation and deployment systems, explosive devices, and hydrocode analysis

• Identify, select, and assign engineering personnel, monitor quality of work, report progress, resolve significant technical issues, and assure project success

• Cultivate and maintain strong and effective working relationships with government partners, contractors, and Aerospace organizations in the Engineering Technology Group and Program Offices

• Develop and execute strategic planning to establish and improve the organization's technical capabilities, analysis tools, standards, and documentation

• Set and manage expectations to inspire staff with technical excellence and product delivery

• Conduct staff performance assessments and direct career development, training, and establish staffing needs to meet department goals

• Participate in the development/refinement of analysis tools and techniques, including hydrocode analysis methodologies

What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in physical sciences or engineering

• Five or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience

• Experience with the design, integration, and testing related to explosive/pyrotechnic devices and systems typical of launch vehicles, missile systems, and spacecraft

• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites approximately 10% as required 

• This position requires 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

How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: • Master’s or PhD degree in a STEM field including relevant coursework (e.g., conservation laws, continuum mechanics)

• Understanding properties of energetic materials, detonation, deflagration, ignition methods, sensitivity, combustion, or thermochemistry

• Understanding physics of shock and impact, ballistic penetration, dynamic behavior of materials, damage, or fracture

• Experience with types of analyses to examine design alternatives, investigate failures, verify performance and/or check compliance with applicable specifications

• Experience in the use of explicit transient hydrocode and finite element analysis tools (e.g., CTH, LS-DYNA)

• Knowledge of AIAA-S-113, RCC 319, MIL-DTL-23659, SMC-S-016 standards

• Current and active TS/SCI security clearance

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll 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) $134,200.00 - $201,300.00

Pay Basis: Annual 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 rece

Similar jobs

• Manager, Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) — Aevexaerospace · Tampa, Florida, United States
• Explosives Systems and Devices Engineer — The Aerospace Corporation · El Segundo, CA
• Explosives System Safety Engineer — Andurilindustries · Costa Mesa, California, United States
• Manager, Missiles System Safety Engineering — Andurilindustries · Costa Mesa, California, United States
• Explosives and Shock Physics Engineer — The Aerospace Corporation · El Segundo, CA
• Manager, Missiles Reliability Engineering — Andurilindustries · Costa Mesa, California, United States
• Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering — Snorkelai · New York City, NY (Hybrid); Redwood City, CA (Hybrid); San Francisco, CA (Hybrid)
• Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering — Openai · New York City