Technical Policy Advisor

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.

Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors.

We are looking for a Technical Policy Advisor (Project Engineer- Technical Project Management) to provide technical, analytical, and programmatic support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Space Commerce (OSC) and Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs (CRSRA). CRSRA is responsible for the licensing and regulatory oversight of U.S. companies and non-governmental entities that own and operate space-based remote sensing satellites for commercial and other purposes. This position will also provide technical support to NASA’s Conjunction Risk Analysis office.  Duties will require daily contact with middle and senior level government officials in NOAA’s CRSRA and NASA’s CARA Offices, as well as interactions with contractor personnel. Other duties include supporting all aspect of CRSRA’s and CARA’s daily operations including licensing, compliance, and decision support as well as formal agency responses to Congressional requests. The incumbent will be responsible for independently managing the activities of the NOAA Federal Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing (ACCRES) related to space law, regulation, and policy.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC at the Department of Commerce’s Headquarters, offering a hybrid work model that combines 3-4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Perform conjunction risk analysis and share findings with the NASA project, assisting with mitigation plans as required
• Develop and implement technical strategies and policies for international and interagency engagement to support NOAA's goals.
• Provide technical policy expertise to initiate Policy Circulars and other related documents.  Monitor interagency activities involving space policies.
• Serve as a highly skilled policy and technical advisor and consultant developing international and interagency policies and plans to effectively implement NOAA's space commerce goals and objectives.
• Assist NASA missions in examining conjunction assessment (CA) trade studies to select an orbit that meets mission objectives while considering safety from close approaches.
• Engage with broader NOAA’s CRSRA staff and external community stakeholders

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer- Technical Project Management

• B.S. in engineering, mathematics, physical science, or another related STEM discipline
• 8 or more years of related work experience in project management and space systems engineering
• 2 or more years of experience with remote sensing regulation and licensing
• Knowledge of remote sensing instruments and phenomenology
• Demonstrated ability to effectively perform independent analyses, and prepare and present well-written technical reports
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an inter-agency environment
• Ability to effectively serve in the trusted agent FFRDC role in support of the Government in a program office environment
• This position requires a current Top Secret security clearance and eligibility to obtain a TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in related field 
• Demonstrate knowledge of National Security Space systems, architectures, and capabilities
• Knowledge of remote sensing licensing and export control policy issues involving the defense, intelligence, diplomatic and commercial sectors is desired.
• Experience working across multiple technology and policy disciplines with a variety of U.S. Government stakeholders.
• Current and active TS/SCI

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 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 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’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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.