Industrial Base Planning and Forecasting Capability Area 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.

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 Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.

Acquisition Risk and Forecasting (ARAF) Department is seeking an Industrial Base Planning and Forecasting Capability Area Lead to join a diverse, innovative, and highly productive team of systems engineers, supply chain, market, and industrial base experts.  This growing, geographically distributed department supports a wide range of customers in the National Security, Civil and Commercial, and International Space Communities. ARAF applies deep technical expertise and experience to provide situational awareness on business, mission, technology, policy and industrial base risks to program acquisitions and to improve customer acquisition outcomes by helping decision makers understand and mitigate tactical and strategic risks.  ARAF delivers program strategic planning and foresighting by assessing threats and leveraging deep insights into market dynamics, economics, supply chain, finance, data analytics, US space needs, engineering, and technology to conduct data driven due diligence assessments and develop critical insights, market intelligence acquisition strategies and risk mitigation approaches.  ARAF applies these to inform senior decision makers and enable US Government and Key Partners manage risk and make informed tradeoffs to a) successfully leverage commercial and non-commercial capabilities and b) navigate a rapidly evolving commercial and government space ecosystem.

Work Model: This position will be located onsite in any of Aerospace’s campus locations (El Segundo, CA, Chantilly, VA, Colorado Springs, CO, or Albuquerque, NM)

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advise key stakeholders and government customers by conducting a variety of industrial base and supply chain focused acquisition risk and forecasting identification, analysis and mitigation development activities to identify, assess, and communicate industrial base and supply chain impacts to acquisitions.  
• Lead the Industrial Base Planning and Forecasting capability area with responsibilities in integrated program landscape assessments that include technology, commodity, policy, and mission; Industrial Base and Supply chain acquisition impacts; Industrial Base and Supply Chain health business viability assessments; and develop the capability area in support of department and subdivision priorities.
• Orchestrate acquisition engineering related technical deep dives, trade studies, and assessments.
• Establish high-performing teams with multi-disciplinary technical leaders, Aerospace Program Office personnel and external customers including defense and civil agencies, such as the U.S. Space Force, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and others.
• Serve as spokesperson to management and customers on matters related to Industrial Base Planning and Forecasting
• Enable high performance teams, who deliver acquisition and systems engineering planning, to integrate business and market intelligence into their acquisition processes and strategic program planning.
• Lead the development of departmental tools and ensure the implementation of best practices and manage the Industrial Base Planning and Forecasting capability area.
• Contribute to new business and technical planning efforts and continuously evolve the scope of responsibilities for the team.
• Contribute to hiring and development of skills needed for the department
• Actively engage with the professional community by leading and organizing events such as conference, seminars, and industry forums. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities for engagement and growth.
• Spearhead research initiatives that foster innovation. Host educational workshops, lunch and learn sessions, and training programs to promote knowledge sharing.
• Act as senior mentor, providing technical advice/guidance to junior staff and customers.
• Develop and deliver accurate and timely reports and presentations that clearly communicate results and solutions to support critical decisions.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in business, finance, market research, or related field with exposure to engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, or related science field or Bachelor’s degree in engineering, , mathematics, or related technical or analytics discipline with exposure to business, supply chain, finance, market research, or related field.
• Deep understanding of the space industrial base
• Demonstrated strengths in several of the following:  technology forecasting and road-mapping, data science, financial and market analysis, econometrics, business case or business plan analysis, and industrial base/benchmarking analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in formulation of business assessment task planning, working in cross-functional or cross-organizational teams (USG, FFRDC, contractor), issue resolution, and orchestrating task balance across a team.
• Strategic thinking and ability to successfully lead teams through ambiguity and managing competing timelines
• At least 12 years of relevant experience in space-related Industrial Base, Supply Chain, Technology forecasting, business case or business plan analysis or related fields.
• Previous experience leading highly technical project teams.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across corporate staff, peers, management, program offices, customers, and contractors.
• Excellent communications skills, both written and oral
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that promotes excellence and collaboration.
• Willing to travel domestically up to 10%.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Finance, Business, Operations Research, or related science field.
• Prior leadership or management experience, particularly in source selections and evaluation processes.
• Applicable experience working space-related investment analysis, commercial acquisition risks, working with Wall Street or defense and national security space industry stakeholders, or commercial satellite service providers
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels.
• Experience working in a program office setting, managing matrix support, and developing statements of work.
• Knowledge of government acquisition practices and acquisition decision making (e.g., DoD, NRO, NASA).
• Teaching experience in technical subjects.
• Recognition as a subject matter expert through publications, presentations, or contributions to the professional community.
• Current DoD TS and/or SSBI/SCI Clearance.
• Experience in a commercial satellite service organization, especially related to business development, market research, or raising capital financing
• Advanced degree in a related field or equivalent experience/certification
• Familiarity with Aerospace Corporation’s customers and working in a classified environment

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 - $233,900

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.