Principal Director - Space Based Interceptor Program Office

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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems. The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) is developing the Space Based Interceptor (SBI) program to provide critical missile defense capabilities from space. The SBI program office is responsible for acquiring space-based interceptor satellites and ground systems that will enhance our nation's ability to defend against advanced missile threats. This acquisition effort represents a transformational approach to national defense, requiring innovative leadership and strong program execution. The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a **Principal Director** to serve as the senior leader for Aerospace support to the SBI program office in Huntsville, Alabama. This Principal Director will work shoulder-to-shoulder with the Senior Materiel Leader for the SBI program office, providing strategic leadership and technical expertise throughout the acquisition lifecycle. The successful candidate will build and lead a high-performing team of directors and technical staff to support day-to-day program office functions, drive Aerospace value to mission success, and actively shape the future of space-based missile defense. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Huntsville, AL. **What You'll Be Doing** - Work shoulder-to-shoulder with the Senior Materiel Leader for the SBI program office, serving as a trusted advisor and strategic partner throughout the acquisition process. - Develop and lead a team of directors to support the day-to-day functions of the SBI program office across all acquisition phases and technical disciplines. - Actively recruit top talent to the Huntsville location to build a robust Aerospace presence supporting SBI activities. - Report Aerospace progress, technical insights, and program recommendations to government leadership and Aerospace Senior Leadership on a regular basis. - Serve as a mentor to engineers, staff, and government customers in the Huntsville area, developing the next generation of acquisition and technical leaders. - Drive Aerospace value by identifying opportunities for technical innovation, risk reduction, and acquisition excellence throughout the SBI program lifecycle. - Manage relationships with multiple stakeholders including SSC leadership, the SBI program office, industry partners, and other government agencies. - Lead acquisition strategy development for space-based interceptor s…