Aerojet Rocketdyne's Defense Systems Analysis, Development and Verification  (SADV)  department in Los Angeles and the Hypersonics Systems Analysis, Development and Verification (HSADV) department in West Palm Beach are integral parts of the Defense Systems Engineering discipline.  The Defense LA SADV department supports pressure-fed attitude control liquid propulsion systems (e.g. THAAD DACS, Sentinel post-boost, Next Generation Interceptor) as well as thermal fluid systems for power or propulsion (e.g. SCEPS) in the Defense Business Unit’s RocketShop and THAAD & Strategic System business areas. The Defense WPB HSADV department supports Hypersonic and High Speed Air-breathing propulsion research, experimentation and development of multiple configurations for multiple Prime contractors primarily for the RocketShop business area.

Defense SADV / HSADV is seeking a manager for a full time position to lead the recently combined System Analysis, Development & Verification department at the Los Angeles, CA and West Palm Beach, FL campuses. This position would focus upon the Systems Analysis discipline. This manager would report to the Senior Manager of Defense Systems Engineering, Analysis and Verification located in WPB.

What we can offer you:

Inspiring Company Culture - Our people support each other and work together to leave an indelible impact on our nation’s aerospace and defense legacy. Read more about our culture: Careers | Aerojet Rocketdyne

Rest and Relaxation - 3 weeks of vacation to start plus separate sick allowance. 9/80 schedule providing for longer weekends. Annual week-long holiday company closure, plus company paid holidays.

Comprehensive Health Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Accounts, and Wellness

Prepare for the Future - 401(k) with company match

Professional Development - Tuition assistance program, Employee recognition program, and Leadership development program

Employee Resource Groups – Local and Enterprise employee-led volunteer groups to create community, awareness, impact, and to support a culture where everyone belongs. 

This position may be filled at this level or one level higher.

• 50% - Technical Leadership. This Systems Engineering management position provides technical leadership support and is accountable for the engineering management of AR Defense programs that require the design, development, verification and qualification of advanced propulsion systems. Manager will provide leadership and direct technical support of AR products and services for both development and operational / production programs.
• 25% - Functional Management. Perform functional management responsibilities, including program staffing, employee skill and career development, performance evaluations, salary planning, overhead planning and budgeting, work prioritization and technical oversight of employee work product. Manage to group financial targets and make adjustments as needed. Manager will also be responsible and direct the development and implementation of Systems Engineering methods, standards, practices, and procedures.
• 20% - Communication. Routine reporting and communication is expected within the Defense Systems Engineering function with direct-reporting staff members, other Managers and the discipline Senior Director.  Frequent communication with Program Chief Engineers and IPT leads is also expected.  Manager will act as liaison between SADV and other engineering disciplines and organizations.
• 5% - Strategic Leadership. Manager will provide strategic leadership for this workgroup. This will include identifying future requirements, defining the capabilities needed to address those requirements, and establishing a plan to provide those capabilities in a timely manner. Manager will be responsible for the development and implementation of process improvements to better support AR product development and Company initiatives such Model Based Systems Engineering, Affordability and Digital Transformation.

This position requires knowledge and experience with pressure-fed liquid propulsion systems used in defense applications.  Experience with System Analysis, including modeling & simulation, performance & operability analysis, engine control operation & design is desired. Also, experience in Systems Development Verification & Test including component/engine test planning and conduct, ground test facility integration, and requirement validation and verification is desired.

Requires a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate discipline and at least 9 years of progressive experience.  Experience with both system analysis and system development and verification is desired:

• Working knowledge of technical principles, theories, concepts of systems performance analysis
• Working knowledge in development of test plans, development of test procedures, generation of technical documents, and preparation and presentation of technical briefings to internal and external customers.

Fluency and proficiency with each discipline’s unique tools, processes and governing command media / standard work is highly desired.

May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level.  Requires U.S. Citizenship. Must also be able to satisfy federal government requirements for access to government information, and having dual citizenship may preclude you from being able to meet this requirement.

Additional Requirements:

• Educational background and/or working experience in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and heat transfer.
• Extensive knowledge and experience with pressure-fed liquid propulsion systems and their test facilities.
• Knowledge and experience with mono propellant and bi-propellant pressure-fed liquid propulsion systems, data analysis, systems integration, and test planning.
• Knowledgeable with industry standards for systems performance analysis (e.g. JANNAF CPIA 246) and spacecraft and engine test requirements (e.g. SMC-S-016, SMC-S-025)
• Candidate must be self-motivated, maintain attention-to-detail, and have good interpersonal skills to work effectively in team environments both virtually and in-person.
• Good written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Schedule flexibility to provide test or flight support outside of normal office hours is required.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 10%.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
Employees in these positions must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer; stamina to sit or stand and maintain attention to detail despite interruptions; may occasionally lift/carry/push/pull up to 25 pounds; may require occasional walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and/or bending; and vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. May require the ability to travel by air or auto. May require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coat. These positions may be expected to work varying shifts and hours to ensure successful operation of activities in the organization.