Strategic Space Systems Division (SSSD) is an industry-leading provider for prime satellite and payload capabilities serving national security, military, and civil customers. We are built on a heritage of providing innovative, affordable and reliable aerospace and defense products that our customers rely on to achieve mission success. Join the Space revolution and make the impossible, possible.

SSSD has an opening for a Sr. Staff Cryocooler Chief Technologist to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Redondo Beach, California.

The ideal candidate will have a complete understanding and wide application of technical principles, theories, and concepts in the area of cryocoolers and strong general knowledge of other related disciplines.  

Candidate responsibilities include (but not limited to) leading the following:

• Lead and manage the development of new cryocooler systems

• Interface with internal and external customers to develop technology roadmaps and IRAD plans

• Perform fluid, thermal, and performance analyses

• Lead component design efforts, coordinating with other engineering disciplines

• Document analyses and designs

• Review and approve drawings for component hardware

• Work with manufacturing engineering on build processes and in-process testing approaches

• Lead proposal efforts

• Report analyses and data results and design specifics to internal management and external customers.

• Provide feedback regarding impacts of possible cost and/ or schedule changes

• Work and execute independently with minimal technical oversight and general direction

• Mentor junior engineers and provide guidance on best practice

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) from an accredited university with 14 years of engineering experience; OR Master’s degree with 12 years of engineering experience OR Ph.D. with 10 years of engineering experience.

• Candidate must be able to and willing to obtain and maintain a DOD Top Secret and SCI access with a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI)

• Design, analysis and test experience with cryocoolers or heat engines

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active DOD Top Secret and/or SCI access clearance with a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) completed within 5 years

• Experience using fluid/thermal analysis tools (SAGE)

• Experience using aerospace standard design tools (NX, CATIA)

• Familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)

• Cryogenic thermal system design, analysis, and test

• Knowledge of cryocooler or heat engine manufacturing and testing processes

• Knowledge of fluid mechanics, heat transfer and structural mechanics

• MS or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

• Experience leading small teams and managing cost and schedule

• Experience writing proposals and leading proposal teams

• Experience creating technology roadmaps and IRAD proposals

• Experience performing research, writing technical papers, and presenting at conferences

• Detail-oriented and have excellent verbal and written communications skills, leadership skills, and organization skills