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Space Research Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Aerospace Corporation

$168K - $252K/yr

Join us and take your place in space. The National Systems Group serves as the technical adviser to the National Reconnaissance Office and its mission partners involved in the collection and ...

The Aerospace Corporation

$168K - $252K/yr

Join us and take your place in space. The National Systems Group serves as the technical adviser to the National Reconnaissance Office and its mission partners involved in the collection and ...

ECS

Subject Matter Expert - Space

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

... space while carrying useful payloads. The ideal candidate actively monitors technical progress ... The ideal candidate should possess technical research, development, and engineering experience in ...

New

George Mason University

Senior Space Planner

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$125K/yr

Ensure collaboration with project managers, and move coordinators to assess space needs, assign space, and coordinate moves across academic, administrative, and research units; * Analyze space ...

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Space Research information

What is the difference between Space Research vs Satellite Technician?

AspectSpace ResearchSatellite Technician
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees in aerospace, physics, or engineeringTechnical diploma or associate degree in electronics or telecommunications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, space agencies, universitiesFieldwork, satellite ground stations, repair facilities
Employer & IndustryNASA, ESA, private aerospace companiesSatellite service providers, telecommunications companies

Space Research involves designing, developing, and analyzing space missions and technologies, often requiring advanced degrees and research skills. Satellite Technicians focus on maintaining, repairing, and installing satellite systems, typically with technical certifications. While both roles work within the aerospace industry, Space Research is more research-oriented, whereas Satellite Technicians are hands-on technical specialists.

How can I become a space researcher?

To become a space researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in physics, astronomy, engineering, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced roles. Gaining experience through internships, research projects, and developing skills in data analysis, programming, and laboratory techniques are also important for pursuing a career in space research.

How to get a job in space research?

To pursue a career in space research, candidates typically need a strong background in science, engineering, or mathematics, often requiring a relevant bachelor's or advanced degree. Gaining experience through internships, research projects, or working with space agencies and organizations like NASA or ESA can improve job prospects. Skills in data analysis, programming, and familiarity with space-related tools are also valuable.

What are popular job titles related to Space Research jobs in Virginia?

For Space Research jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Space Research jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Space Research jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Space Research jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Space Research job openings:

Space Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Space Research job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Systems Director - GEOINT Research and Technology

On-site

The Aerospace Corporation
See more jobs at The Aerospace Corporationexternal

$168K - $252K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

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 National Systems Group serves as the technical adviser to the National Reconnaissance Office and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.
The GEOINT Innovations Office (GIO) /GEOINT Research and Technology (GRT) Department provides strategic prioritization and in-depth technical support to the design, build, and test of new technologies to revolutionize GEOINT space-based capabilities. In this position you will lead a team of direct reports and matrixed engineering and scientist supporting the NRO/GEOINT Research and Technology.
This position requires 100% work onsite in Chantilly, Virginia
What You'll Be Doing
  • Leading a National Aerospace team responsible for guiding and enabling technology investments, collaborating with other NRO and DoD/IC offices in space R&D, and evaluating contractor developments spanning across optics, electronics, radar and processing/exploitation algorithms.
  • Leading team efforts to prioritize the development of next-generation spaceflight hardware and evaluate the mission utility of new technology at the component to architecture level.
  • Collaborating across the directorate, agency, and the entire national security space enterprise to develop, communicate, and represent key technical positions on key customer issues to senior levels of the customer and Aerospace leadership.
  • Evaluating technology development to identify risks and/or solutions to facilitate successful insertion of new technologies / components to enhance mission success.
  • Leading reachback support from Aerospace engineering and lab resources to operate and test prototype hardware relevant to the office.
  • Providing personnel leadership functions such as hiring, performance assessments, mentoring and career planning.

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Systems Director - Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering, mathematics, the physical sciences, or a related field.
  • At least 12 years' experience in a broad range of GEOINT sensing modalities and the technologies required to enable space-based sensing;
  • Demonstrated experience building, leading and participating in multi-disciplinary teams to address a wide breadth of technology development challenges.
  • Ability to work closely and collaboratively across Aerospace, government, and SETA personnel.
  • Ability to plan and oversee reachback technical support in of multiple customer, Aerospace, and contractor locations across the continental United States;
  • Ability to travel approximately one week a month
  • This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the US 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:
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in engineering, mathematics, the physical sciences, or a related field.
  • In-depth experience in one or more of the GEOINT modality technologies across optics, electronics, radar or processing/exploitation algorithms.
  • Working knowledge of Aerospace ETG personnel, departments and lab capabilities capable of supporting GEOINT technology investment areas.
  • Experience developing roadmaps for technology investments based on strategic and mission value
  • Understanding of spectral systems, processing, and performance assessment
  • Prior experience leading diverse teams of direct and matrixed personnel

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)
$168,200.00 - $252,400.00
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.

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