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 Pentagon and Multi-Domain Division provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders at the highest levels of government on space architectures, polity and strategy, developmental planning, system of system engineering, and threat reduction to help shape the future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. As a Senior Research & Engineering Space Technology Advisor to OUSW(R&E)’s Principal Director for Space, you will be part of a small streamlined OSW team that addresses timely, critical analysis required by all elements under the Secretary or War – the analysis and the resulting decisions will inform funding and provide advocacy for capabilities, policies and issues across various mission areas. You will be counted on to provide independent, deeply technical advisory services that includes evaluation of ongoing government resourcing, acquisitions, and assistance with long-term strategy development. This is a significant opportunity and one in which the successful candidate will know that they are directly contributing to the National Security Space effort and having a positive impact at the very highest levels of the Department of War.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Crystal City VA. Potential opportunity exists to work at a different Aerospace location if the candidate has regular, predictable access to SIPR, JWICs, SIC, classified meeting capabilities and TSVOIP
What You’ll Be Doing
- Project Engineer for Commercial Space Engagements: Serves as the primary DoD interface for commercial space partnerships, technology assessments, and strategic integration initiatives. Develops frameworks for evaluating and integrating commercial space capabilities into national security architectures.
- Leads technical analysis for official correspondence between military services, combat support agencies, the intelligence community, Congress, and the White House on space technology matters, including technology maturation assessments, transition strategies, and capability gap analysis.
- Coordinates congressional response actions regarding space technology maturation, transfer, and transition, including preparation of technical briefings, position papers, and testimony support materials.
- Develops technical strategies and roadmaps for priority space technology areas including Multi-Orbit Constellations, Beyond GPS/Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems, AI/ML for space systems, and emerging commercial space partnerships.
- Coordinates with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) review processes and supports technology security assessments for space-related transactions and partnerships.
- Conducts comprehensive technical assessments of space systems, architectures, and technology maturation efforts across the DoD space portfolio.
- Performs data-driven analysis of system performance metrics, technical risk, and technology readiness levels to inform senior leader decision-making.
- Develops architecture decision records (ADRs), technical strategy documents, and analytical reports on space technology trends, capability gaps, and investment priorities.
- Provides expert technical translation between engineering teams and senior policy/operational leaders.
- Supports technology transfer and transition analysis, identifying pathways from research through operational deployment.
- Coordinating with internal/external stakeholders to complete studies, and communicate results
- Conferring with engineers and analysts to provide technical advice and to assist with problem resolution as needed as part of study reach back
- Providing subject matter expertise analysis of multi-orbit constellations, beyond GPS, novel PNT, OPIR, commercial augmentation, autonomy, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and how novel technology injects would impact these architectures
- Provide assessments on a variety of interests from policy to capability, operational considerations to “POM after next” examinations of technology
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements Sr. Project Leader - Systems Engineering:
- Bachelor's degree in STEM or space-related equivalent is required
- 12 or more years of progressive experience in space systems, aerospace engineering, or related technical fields
- 10 or more years of progressively demonstrated engineering and policy experience, including multi-disciplinary system engineering in a program oversight environment
- Analytic skills to support quantified study assessments
- Knowledge of space system portfolios and a broad understanding of space technologies and systems, with at least one area of technology specialization
- Experience with creating, supporting and/or leading technical study teams examining topics of national significance
- Proven and continued ability to work effectively and professionally with senior government customers (GO/FO and SES) from organizations across the federal government
- Excellent written communication skills – ability to organize complex materials and concepts in clear logical manner at the executive leadership level
- Willing to travel approx. 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.
- Active Top S/SCI security clearance required, with ability to obtain SAP access.
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
- Advanced technical and/or engineering degree in [applicable STEM areas or other discipline]
- 15+ years of experience in space related experience
- Experience preparing technical analysis and recommendations for senior government officials (SES, Flag/General Officer level)
- Previous experience in the Pentagon
- Experience working within OUSD(R&E), and proven cross -organizational coordination across FFRDCs, or UARCs service laboratories and the industrial base
- Prior role supporting Principal Directors, SES officials, or Flag/General Officers
- Direct experience with commercial space industry partnerships and technology assessments
- Knowledge of CFIUS processes and technology transfer regulations (ITAR, EAR), or experience with Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) reviews" or "technology security assessments”
- Experience with Space Force, Space Command, or National Reconnaissance Office programs
- Published technical work or presentations at major aerospace/defense conferences
- Previous participation in space industry working groups or advisory boards
- Program management certification (PMP, DAU, or equivalent)
- Experience with congressional engagement, including response coordination and technical briefing preparation
- Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, technology maturation frameworks (TRLs, MRLs), and transition pathways
- Understanding of space policy, strategy, and operational concepts
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent high-priority initiatives with competing deadlines
- Strategic thinking with attention to operational details
- Proven ability to build consensus across organizational boundaries and influence without direct authority
- Proficiency with technical documentation, data analysis tools, and visualization platforms
- Led or served as chief engineer/technical director for major DoD space acquisition programs (e.g., GPS III, Space Development Agency transport/tracking layers, Protected Tactical SATCOM, overhead persistent infrared systems)
- Served as technical advisor or Chief of Staff to a Service Acquisition Executive, Program Executive Officer (PEO), or equivalent senior leader with direct responsibility for multi-billion dollar space portfolios
- Principal Investigator or Program Manager at DARPA, AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate, NRL Space Science Division, or similar advanced technology organizations
- Former technical role at a major commercial space company (SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, Planet Labs, etc.) with experience transitioning commercial innovation into government applications
- Led dual-use technology assessments or partnerships that resulted in successful integration of commercial space capabilities into national security architectures (e.g., commercial SAR/EO, proliferated LEO communications, hosted payloads)
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)
$155,900.00 - $233,900.00
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 receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
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. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.
