Space and Missile Technologist

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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including United States Space Force, United States Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation.

Aerospace’s Strategic and Global Awareness Directorate (Project West Wing) provides technical intelligence analysis and research for a broad range of national security space and intelligence community customers. Our team works to provide unique, timely, and independent assessments and counsel pertaining to current and future threats to the use of space as well as the effectiveness of strategic deterrents. Actively contribute to an elite, high-performing team bringing technical skills to bear to characterize the fast-moving field of international space technologies and their implications to U.S. National Security Space. Participate in a wide range of technical activities, work with technical intelligence, analyze threats to space programs, and influence customer decisions on important National Security Space topics. The potential exists to develop your own areas of expertise and specialization in the analysis of space and missile systems.

Work Model

This is an on-site position at the Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, California.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Conduct technical analyses of current U.S. and foreign technology developments related to space and missile systems
• Perform technical document integration
• Coordinate and support technical product development
• Contribute to a broad well-established portfolio of technology assessments for multiple customers
• Identify short- and long-term technical challenges for a diverse customer base, including the USAF, the intelligence community, and other government and commercial customers
• Assess the potential impact of current worldwide technology developments in space, counterspace activities, missiles and anti-missiles on U.S. national security
• Identify new areas of concern in emerging space and missile technologies
• Prepare technical reports, briefings, and other materials updating the status of established and emerging space and missile technologies
• Investigate supply chain issues
• Some travel will be required (post-pandemic) for coordination with Aerospace/PWW personnel and U.S. Government agencies throughout the country. International travel is possible.

This position is available as a Member of Technical Staff or a Senior Member of Technical Staff.

What You Need to Be Successful - Member of Technical Staff

Minimum Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in STEM field is required. 
• 2 years of technical experience supporting space and/or missile system technologies
• A strong and broad interest in, and enthusiasm for, technologies related to space and missile systems; Good problem-solving skills.
• Proven professional written and oral communication skills and an ability to work well with other analysts
• Should enjoy working with a small core team and interacting with experts broadly across the Corporation
• Current TOP SECRET clearance and SCI access required, which is issued by the US government. US Citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the Sr. Member of Technical Staff requires the following:

• 5 years of technical experience supporting space and/or missile systems technologies
• Understanding of space acquisition processes
• Experience working independently, in small core team, interacting with experts broadly across the Corporation
• Strong written and oral communication skills to internal and external stakeholders
• Should enjoy working with a small core team and interacting with experts broadly across the Corporation

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of the following:

• An advanced degree is strongly preferred. 
• Five (5) years work experience with technologies relevant to space and launch; a background in space systems engineering and/or general physics
• Experience with machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI), trusted AI, and applications
• Experience with Aerospace SSC and intelligence customers
• Track record with and knowledge of the landscape of technologies and existing systems to leverage in support space and missile systems
• Reading comprehension and translation skills in selected foreign languages

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)

$94,000 - $150,000

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.