Commercial Space-based phenomenology Lead

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 advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.
The Imagery Programs Division’s (IPD) Commercial Acquisition & Integration department is seeking a Space-based phenomenology Lead (Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer – Systems Engineering) to be a key member of the Aerospace team. This position directly supports the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Commercial Systems Program Office (CSPO) whose mission is to investigate the capabilities of non-traditional space-based commercial capabilities for integration into the IC government architecture. We are seeking an experienced architecture modeling professional to support the government in acquiring and integrating commercial services into the NRO enterprise architecture. This role places you at the intersection of commercial space innovation and national security, where you will work directly with emerging space companies to evaluate and integrate transformative capabilities into critical defense systems. You will gain unique exposure to technologies reshaping the space domain while influencing how commercial innovation strengthens national security architecture. This position offers exceptional professional development opportunities and the chance to shape the future of space-based national security capabilities.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in Chantilly Virginia
What You’ll Be Doing
Lead technical evaluations of commercial space-based sensor capabilities (such as electro-optical, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Radio Frequency, or other related phenomenologies) for integration into national security architectures, supporting architecture analyses, trade studies, and acquisition decisions
Communicate programmatic and technical issues and provide independent recommendations to Aerospace management, the Government customer and other contractors
Interact extensively with non-traditional space sector commercial companies, gaining deep exposure to innovative and emerging technologies
Provide daily organization and technical oversight for task execution, managing pertinent budgets, regularly communicate status and findings to customer counterparts and management.
Collaborate across the NRO and the Intelligence community to influence current and future investments in commercial technology and capabilities
Lead technical staff and matrixed technical resources to address a broad range of technical topics
Work in a fast-paced environment with many interesting technical challenges that require strategy, critical thinking and collaboration to provide solutions
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer - Systems Engineering:
Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering, mathematics, or science field
A minimum of 6 years of relevant technical experience
Technical understanding of space-based architectures
Working knowledge of space-based sensor phenomenologies
Capability to address and solve complex challenges through analytical modeling and simulation approaches
Strong organization and communication skills
Experience in leading technical teams with diverse backgrounds from a variety of organizations
Willing to support occasional travel domestically (typically 1 week every few months or less)
This position requires a current and active TS/SBI/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer - Systems Engineering:
Ten years of experience relevant technical experience
Demonstrated technical depth in one or more space-based sensing phenomenologies
Technical depth and experience evaluating space-based sensors and phenomenologies
Specific experience with modeling space-based commercial radar, Electro-Optical, or commercial hyperspectral capabilities
Technical experience either working for or with commercial space companies
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Advanced degree in relevant engineering, mathematics or science field
12 or more years of relevant technical experience
Deep expertise across multiple space-based sensing phenomenologies
Track record of using phenomenology-based technical analysis to inform acquisition decisions and architecture optimization
Experience evaluating emerging commercial technologies through simulation and analysis
Prior experience as the lead for matrixed teams with diverse skill sets to solve multi-disciplinary challenges
Knowledge of relevant Aerospace resources to support architectural and optimization tasks
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)
$117,300.00 - $175,900.00
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