Emerging Mission Integration 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. The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise, leveraging a broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges.

About the Role

This position initially focuses solely on Cislunar space but may pivot to address additional emerging national security space missions as needs evolve. Cislunar space—the region beyond geostationary altitude encompassing the Earth-Moon gravitational system—represents a strategically significant frontier for national security. As the Emerging Mission Integration Lead (Principal Engineer), you will play a foundational role in helping government leadership establish an enterprise architecture for cislunar capabilities. This role centers on security-focused equities while integrating across the cislunar enterprise to position the U.S. Government (USG) for mission success. Reporting within the Enterprise Integration Solutions Office (EISO) within EED, you will drive integration across multiple stakeholders for the national space enterprise.

Responsibilities

• Advance corporate cislunar strategy across the full spectrum of national security cislunar missions, in partnership with customer-facing groups and ETG divisions
• Lead strategy development and execution for Aerospace's corporate Cislunar Technical and Strategic Investment Priorities
• Shape future cislunar capabilities by developing strategies, concepts, and products for interoperable infrastructure—including domain awareness, communications, and position, navigation, and timing (PNT)
• Coordinate with Aerospace’s internal teams responsible for complementary lunar exploration mission area
• Lead execution of cislunar initiatives through project management, research strategy alignment, and development of new corporate direction, goals, and investment opportunities
• Serve as one of Aerospace's externally facing leaders on cislunar matters through publications, interviews, and professional forums in partnership with the Center for Space Strategy and Policy and Corporate Communications
• Develop and foster strategic partnerships across academia, industry, and government
• Directly engage with senior government customers to understand requirements and shape future architectures
• Build and influence cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions for cislunar challenges
• Shape and lead corporate responses to emerging mission needs as they arise

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical field
• 13+ years of professional experience leading or guiding strategic initiatives for space capabilities, with demonstrated progression to positions of increasing responsibility
• Systems-level understanding across multiple cislunar mission areas (e.g., domain awareness, communications, navigation, etc.) with demonstrated ability to integrate across technical disciplines
• Proven thought leadership in defining and implementing novel concepts or strategies, demonstrated through publications, white papers, and presentations to senior decision-makers
• Exceptional communication skills with proven ability to lead and influence multi-disciplinary teams and engage senior stakeholders and external partners
• Strategic, innovative approach to complex problem solving with ability to navigate ambiguity
• Current Top Secret/SCI clearance

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Engineering, Science, or a related technical field
• Direct leadership of cislunar or deep space research, development, or operational initiatives
• Proven track record building and leading high-performing technical teams
• Deep technical expertise in one or more areas: space domain awareness, satellite communications, or PNT, with demonstrated knowledge of relevant customer communities and operational contexts
• Experience working across national security, civil, and/or international partner missions
• Active participation in professional organizations or advisory groups focused on space policy or emerging space domains

Leadership Competencies

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Pay

The grade-based pay range for this job is $185,200.00 - $277,800.00 annually.

Benefits

• 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

Schedule

4 or more days per week on-site in Chantilly, VA; El Segundo, CA; or Albuquerque, NM.