Space Technologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Senior Tech Coordinator & Advisor serves as the principal technical advisor and strategic coordinator to the Principal Director for Space within OUSD(R&E). This position operates at the intersection of advanced space technology development, cross-organizational coordination, and strategic policy implementation. The Tech Advisor provides technical and analytical guidance across the Department of Defense space enterprise, industry partners, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), university-affiliated research centers (UARCs), and service laboratories. This role requires daily engagement with senior leaders across military services, combat support agencies, the intelligence community, Congress, and the White House on critical space technology initiatives. The selected candidate will be required to work either on-site in the Pentagon, within the Pentagon reservation or the Crystal City location, as requested by the customer. What You'll Be Doing * 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.
* 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.
* Facilitates daily coordination across FFRDCs, UARCs, service laboratories (Air Force Research Laboratory, Naval Research Laboratory, Army Research Laboratory), and the industrial base to synchronize space technology development efforts and resolve technical integration challenges.
* Integration leader for major working groups and oversight councils, including the PNT Oversight Council, Space Test Program coordination bodies, and other cross-organizational forums. Identifies issues, prioritizes tasks, facilitates communications, and acts as spokesperson to OSW leadership.
* Manages technical dependencies and interfaces across organizational boundaries to ensure alignment of space technology initiatives with strategic objectives. What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements for Sr. Project Leader - Multi-Disciplinary Engineering: * Bachelors degree in engineering, space related discipline, physics, computer science, real-world experience or applicable STEM area
* 12 or more years of progressive experience in space systems, aerospace engineering, or related technical fields
* Demonstrated experience in senior technical leadership roles supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, or NASA space programs
* Proven track record of cross-organizational coordination across government, industry, and research institutions
* Experience preparing technical analysis and recommendations for senior government officials (SES, Flag/General Officer level)
* Experience with congressional engagement, including response coordination and technical briefing preparation
* Deep understanding of space system architectures, including Multi-Orbit Constellations, satellite communications, PNT systems, and space-based sensing
* Knowledge of emerging space technology areas including AI/ML applications for space systems, commercial space capabilities, and space domain awareness
* Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, technology maturation frameworks (TRLs, MRLs), and transition pathways
* Understanding of space policy, strategy, and operational concepts
* Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/ domestically approx. 20% * Active Top Secret/SCI clearance required with ability to obtain SAP access, issued by the U.S. 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: * Masters or PhD degree in an applicable STEM areas or other space related area
* 15 or more years of experience in in space systems, aerospace engineering, or related technical fields
* Deep understanding of space system architectures, including Multi-Orbit Constellations, satellite communications, PNT systems, and space-based sensing
* Knowledge of emerging space technology areas including AI/ML applications for space systems, commercial space capabilities, and space domain awareness
* Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, technology maturation frameworks (TRLs, MRLs), and transition pathways
* Understanding of space policy, strategy, and operational concepts
* Experience working within OUSD(R&E), service laboratories, FFRDCs, or UARCs
* 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)
* Experience with Space Force, Space Command, or National Reconnaissance Office programs
* Published technical work or presentations at major aerospace/defense conferences
* Active participation in space industry working groups or advisory boards
* Program management certification (PMP, DAU, or equivalent)
* 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 leadership 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)
* Venture capital or investment analysis experience evaluating space technology startups, particularly in support of strategic capital initiatives or technology scouting 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 well