Senior Research & Engineering Space Technology Advisor

Overview 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. 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. 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. Due to the nature of the position you 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: Serve as the primary DoD interface for commercial space partnerships, technology assessments, and strategic integration initiatives. Develop frameworks for evaluating and integrating commercial space capabilities into national security architectures. Lead 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. Coordinate congressional response actions regarding space technology maturation, transfer, and transition, including preparation of technical briefings, position papers, and testimony support materials. Develop 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. Coordinate with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) review processes and support technology security assessments for space‑related transactions and partnerships. Conduct comprehensive technical assessments of space systems, architectures, and technology maturation efforts across the DoD space portfolio. Perform data‑driven analysis of system performance metrics, technical risk, and technology readiness levels to inform senior leader decision‑making. Develop architecture decision records (ADRs), technical strategy documents, and analytical reports on space technology trends, capability gaps, and investment priorities. Provide expert technical translation between engineering teams and senior policy/operational leaders. Support technology transfer and transition analysis, identifying pathways from research through operational deployment. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to complete studies and communicate results. Provide subject‑matter expertise on multi‑orbit constellations, beyond GPS, novel PNT, OPIR, commercial augmentation, autonomy, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and the impact of novel technology on architectures. Assess interests from policy to capability, operational considerations, and “POM after next” examinations of technology. Minimum Requirements Bachelor’s degree in STEM or space‑related equivalent. 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 a clear logical manner at the executive leadership level. Willingness to travel approx. 10% (as required). Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required. Active Top S/SCI security clearance required, with ability to obtain SAP access. How You Can Stand Out Advanced technical and/or engineering degree in applicable STEM areas. 15+ years of experience in space‑related areas. 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. Previous 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. 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. Served or acted 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, RocketLab, PlanetLabs, 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). Benefits 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. Education assistance programs. Grade‑based pay range: $155,900.00 – $233,900.00 annually. Pay Basis: Annual. 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 are 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or by email at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Aerospace Corporation