Senior Space Technology Development 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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence.

About the role

The Advanced Research and Engineering (AR&E) subdivision leads Aerospace support to the R&D portfolio of a major intelligence agency. AR&E is looking for a Research and Development Senior Project Leader (Sr. Project Leader – Multi-Disciplinary Engineering) to leverage expertise across the corporation to research, develop, and demonstrate next-generation space technologies. In this role, you will impact the direction of this National Security Space portfolio, advising the customer on the advancement of critical technologies spanning cross-phenomenology overhead intelligence systems, the ground and communications enterprise, and the effective utilization of autonomy and machine learning. This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, requiring 100% onsite work.

Responsibilities

• Conceiving and leading laboratory investigations, modeling and simulation, and technical assessment activities across the customer portfolio.
• Leveraging Aerospace experts across the corporation to scope, direct, and integrate technical analysis in support of research and development of advanced technologies for overhead intelligence collection and processing.
• Leading efforts to evaluate the impact of new concepts, technologies, and CONOPs on the national security space architecture.
• Distilling varied inputs into rigorous technical analyses to inform government decisions on future technology and demonstration system investments.
• Acting as a senior mentor to other team members.
• Interfacing daily with mid- and senior-level government officials, SETA, and contractor personnel as part of a small team in a fast-paced environment.
• Occasional travel, up to 10% of the time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical field.
• 12 or more years of relevant experience after bachelor’s degree.
• Experience in research and development of new technologies for space systems, such as microelectronics, optical sensors, or RF systems.
• Extensive experience in technical project management, scoping projects, and leveraging inter-disciplinary teams.
• Current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Qualifications

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

• Advanced degree in science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical field.
• Direct experience with government or commercial space systems.
• Experience in space-relevant technology areas such as:
  • Microelectronics design, fabrication, assembly, or testing
  • Optical and RF remote sensing technologies and applications including photonics
  • AI/ML and autonomy
  • Quantum sensing and communications

Pay

The grade-based pay range for this job is $155,900.00 - $233,900.00 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
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. To cultivate our talent and ensure a strong pipeline of future leaders, we seek individuals who:

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