Space Domain Awareness Technical Fellow

About the role

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Technical Fellow to lead the development of Space Domain Awareness (SDA) systems. This role will focus on driving national strategy and technical innovation, working closely with defense, civil, and commercial operators, and the intelligence community.

Responsibilities

• Partner with customers and operators to develop innovative SDA architectures addressing emerging challenges
• Engage commercial SDA providers and civil agencies to align technical approaches and data standards
• Position Aerospace as the premier SDA technical authority, pioneering cislunar and deep space awareness
• Advise executives on technical investments and R&D priorities across defense, civil, and commercial applications
• Drive AI/ML applications transforming SDA operations from automated tracking to predictive orbit determination
• Integrate SDA with space operations, intelligence, sustainability, and cyber
• Advance frameworks for data sharing and collaboration across government, commercial, and international networks
• Mentor staff in sensor phenomenology, data fusion, orbital mechanics, and object characterization
• Build multi-disciplinary teams spanning sensors, data processing, astrodynamics, and analytics

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in STEM, Engineering, Physics, or related field
• 15+ years in SDA, space surveillance, traffic management, or space system architectures
• Experience leading SDA sensor systems, data fusion architectures, and tracking solutions
• Hands-on experience with government or commercial SDA systems (Space Surveillance Network sensors, IC systems, or commercial platforms)
• Track record leading R&D in sensors, algorithms, conjunction assessment, or traffic management
• Exceptional communication skills engaging senior officials, commercial partners, and research communities
• Mentoring and leadership experience

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related field
• Technical depth in orbital mechanics, sensor phenomenology, tracking algorithms, and data fusion
• AI/ML knowledge for tracking, pattern analysis, anomaly detection, and orbit determination
• Space-based sensor design and modeling and simulation performance experience
• Cislunar and deep space domain awareness experience
• Familiarity with conjunction assessment, collision avoidance, debris mitigation, and space battle management
• Understanding of cyber threats and SDA system resilience
• Knowledge of commercial SDA capabilities and business models
• Delivering actionable insights on critical defense, civil, or commercial programs
• Prototyping and transitioning SDA solutions from concept to operations
• Compartmented DoD/IC missions (current Top Secret/SCI clearance; current Special Access Program clearances) or commercial SDA operations
• NASA civil space missions, planetary defense, or traffic coordination
• Strategic Vision: Bridging commercial, defense, and civil sectors, aligning stakeholder needs with innovation
• Establishing partnerships across DoD, IC, NASA, commercial operators, and international communities
• Understanding of space policy, regulatory frameworks, and international norms

Skills

• Strategic Leadership
• Technical Innovation
• Team Development
• Mentoring and Leadership

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs
• Education assistance programs
• Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect