Space Domain Awareness Technical Fellow

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.Shape the Future of Space SecurityAs orbital populations grow exponentially, the global space community needs visionary technical leaders to ensure all operators can see, understand, and act with situational awareness and decision advantage.The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, operating a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC). We deliver innovative solutions spanning satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial customers. Join a team of problem solvers and innovators defining the future of space operations.The OpportunityThe Mission Operations Subdivision within the Enterprise Effects Division is creating a Technical Fellow position for Space Domain Awareness (SDA) , a rare opportunity to drive national strategy and technical innovation. You'll work directly with defense, civil, and commercial operators, and the intelligence community (IC) to architect sensor networks, data fusion systems, and space traffic management capabilities for an increasingly congested, contested, and competitive domain.Why This Role MattersFrom Low Earth Orbit to cislunar space, operators face challenges from conjunction avoidance and debris mitigation to on-orbit servicing and potential threats. This Technical Fellow will :Drive next-generation SDA system architectures spanning ground and space-based sensors (radar, optical, infrared, passive RF)Pioneer AI/ML integration for automated tracking, anomaly detection, pattern-of-life analysis, and support to space battle managementShape corporate investment in emerging SDA technologies with Aerospace's Office of the Chief Technology OfficerExpand mission reach into cislunar and beyond GEO domain awarenessMentor the next generation of SDA experts across sensors, data fusion, orbital mechanics, and object characterizationBridge defense, intelligence, civil, commercial, and international communities to accelerate the delivery of solutionsYour ImpactPartner with senior government, military, civil, allied, and commercial leaders on critical SDA challengesLead integrated architectures fusing multi-source data into actionable decision supportAdvance space traffic management, collision avoidance, anomaly assessment, and space sustainability capabilitiesPosition Aerospace as the technical leader in SDADevelop technical talent across national security, civil, all ied, and commercial programsWork ModelFull-time position based in El Segundo, CA; Colorado Springs, CO; or Chantilly, VA. This role includes four or more days per week on site to enable deep customer engagement and team collaboration.What You'll Be DoingStrategic LeadershipPartner with customers and operators to develop innovative SDA architectures addressing emerging challengesEngage commercial SDA providers and civil agencies to align technical approaches and data standardsPosition Aerospace as the premier SDA technical authority, pioneering cislunar and deep space awarenessAdvise executives on technical investments and R&D priorities across defense, civil, and commercial applicationsTechnical InnovationServe as technical authority on SDA systems, leading sensor architectures, data fusion systems, and command and control capabilitiesDrive AI/ML applications transforming SDA operations from automated tracking to predictive orbit determinationIntegrate SDA with space operations, intelligence , sustainability, and cyberAdvance frameworks for data sharing and collaboration across government, commercial, and international networksTeam DevelopmentMentor staff in sensor phenomenology, data fusion, orbital mechanics, and object characterizationAdvise on succession planning and workforce development for expanding SDA missionsBuild multi-disciplinary teams spanning sensors, data processing, astrodynamics, and analyticsWhat You Need to be Successful ( Minimum Requirements )Bachelor's degree in STEM, Engineering, Physics, or related field15+ years in SDA, space surveillance, traffic management, or space system architecture sExperience leading SDA sensor systems, data fusion architectures, and tracking solutionsHands-on experience with government or commercial SDA systems (S pace S urveillance N etwork sensors, IC systems, or commercial platforms)Track record leading R&D in sensors, algorithms, conjunction assessment, or traffic managementAbility to build and lead multi-disciplinary technical teamsExceptional communication skills engaging senior officials, commercial partners, and research communitiesMentoring and leadership experienceAbility to obtain Top Secret/SCI clearance; U.S. citizenship requiredHow You Can Stand OutAcademic ExcellenceMS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related fieldTechnical DepthExpertise in orbital mechanics, sensor phenomenology, tracking algorithms, and data fusionAI/ML knowledge for tracking, pattern analysis, anomaly detection, and orbit determinationSpace-based sensor design and m od eling and sim ulation performa nce experienceCislunar and deep space domain awareness experienceFamiliarity with conjunction assessment, collision avoidance, debris mitigation, and space battle managementUnderstanding of cyber threats and SDA system resilienceKnowledge of commercial SDA capabilities and business modelsMission ExperienceDelivering actionable insights on critical defense, civil, or commercial programsPrototyping and transitioning SDA solutions from concept to operationsCompartmented DoD/IC missions (c urrent Top Secret/SCI clearance; current Special Access Program clearances ) or commercial SDA operationsNASA civil space missions, planetary defense, or traffic coordinationStrategic VisionBridging commercial, defense, and civil sectors, aligning stakeholder needs with innovationEstablishing partnerships across DoD, IC, NASA, commercial operators, and international communitiesKnowledge of international partnerships, data sharing frameworks, and commercial data integrationUnderstanding of space policy, regulatory frameworks, and international normsWe 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)$203,800.00 - $305,600.00Pay Basis: AnnualLeadership CompetenciesOur 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 StrategicallyLead ChangeEngage with ImpactFoster InnovationDeliver ResultsWays We Reward Our EmployeesDuring 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 plansPaid holidays, sick time, and vacationStandard and alternate work schedules, including telework options401(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 hireFlexible spending accountsVariable pay program for exceptional contributionsRelocation assistanceProfessional growth and development programs to help advance your careerEducation assistance programsAn inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respectWe 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 CommitmentThe 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or by email at View email address on click.appcast.io . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal . #J-18808-Ljbffr The Aerospace Corporation