Project Leader, Commercial Space Futures- Emerging Programs

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 Aerospace Corporation is committed to advancing and accelerating the application of U.S. commercial space capabilities for the benefit of government customers through its Commercial Space Futures Office (CSFO). CSFO is an organization within the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) which supports the U.S. space enterprise to maximize U.S. government access to and incorporation of commercial space capabilities and technologies. CSFO supports the government via the following:

• Identify, Align, and Connect Commercial Solutions and National Needs  
• Inform Technology Readiness through Due Diligence Assessments 
• Enablers- Accelerate Execution by Influencing Space Regulations and Standards  
• Build Confidence through Capability Maturation, Testbeds, and Proving Grounds  

The Project Leader, Commercial Space Futures (CSF), based in El Segundo, CA, assesses technical capabilities, skill sets, and equipment from both technical and customer perspectives to identify emerging technologies that can be applied or adapted to meet near- and medium-term customer needs. This role also supports the Systems Director in positioning Aerospace to help national security space government customers better leverage and integrate commercial space capabilities and services.

Work Model

This position is hybrid requiring onsite work 3-4 days/week.

What You’ll Be Doing

Reporting to the Commercial Space Futures Systems Director, this position requires an unusually broad breadth of skills, including technical knowledge, clear communication style, strategic mindset and strong interpersonal skills.  Responsibilities include:

• Commercial Technologies’ Value Proposition Following technical assessment, identify a commercial provider’s value proposition with regard to a government space mission, and assess its worthiness for further investment of Government and/or Aerospace Corporation time or resources in investigating for potential adoption by a government customer.
• DoD Program Office Support the Systems Director and works with appropriate points of contact in the DoD program office to support technology identification and evaluation for Government space program evaluation and adoption. 
• Technical Assessment: As needed, support the Systems Director and work with appropriate partners and the Engineering Technology Group (ETG) to provide preliminary technical assessments of emerging technology, including tools, products, services and systems that are designed to provide a service or satisfy a need primarily for US Space Force, but may include NASA, NOAA and other US Government space-faring agencies and support agencies.  Support the organization of technical assessments by members of CSF and ETG.
• Partnerships Brings idea generation, leadership, program development and program oversight to partnerships with start-ups, accelerators, incubators, national labs and university programs as needed

• Technology Identification: Support the Systems Director and initiates own research on emerging technology that could be applied or modified to serve near and medium-term customer needs and requirements. 
• Environmental Scanning: Monitors industry publications and may participate in events that provide insight into user demand in order to more closely align capabilities to user needs.
• Planning and Programs: Assists in the development of budgets, schedules, and performance standards as needed. 
• Will occasion to lead briefings, emerging technology topics, and support technical meetings of internal and external representatives.

What You Need to be Successful- Project Leader, Commercial Space Futures/ Project Leader, Enterprise Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree in [applicable STEM areas or other discipline] (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) 
• 3-5 years of industry work experience  
• Willing to travel [domestically/internationally] approx. 10-20%
• Comfortable with ambiguity and ability to rapidly adapt to changing conditions
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US 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: 

• Prior military experience engaging in the commercial marketplace
• [Bachelors] degree in Aerospace Engineering or Computer Science in [applicable STEM areas or other discipline]  
• 3-5 years of experience in space industry technology programs and partnerships
• Knowledge of, and preferably experience with TRL assessments and road mapping of nascent technologies
• Background in space and ground segment systems development
• Current TS/SCI security clearance.

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)

$1,117,300 - $226,900

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 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.