Space Policy Analyst

About the Role

The Center for Space Policy and Strategy (CSPS) is dedicated to shaping the future of space by providing nonpartisan research and strategic analysis to decision makers and to informing broader public discussions of space policy. CSPS is part of The Aerospace Corporation, a nonprofit organization that advises the government on complex space enterprise and systems engineering problems. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Space Policy Analyst with expertise in licensing and regulation of space activities to join our team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in analyzing, developing, and implementing space policy initiatives and strategies. The position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the expanding future of the space enterprise including space exploration, commercial ventures, and national security, and shape the policies and strategies that govern it. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Crystal City, Virginia.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a team to research space policy and regulatory issues, develop solutions, and communicate your findings on pressing topics related to the commercial and civil space sectors, national regulations and international obligations, space technology innovation, and environmental, safety, and sustainability issues facing the space industry.
• Conduct in-depth research and analysis on a variety of space policy topics, including interagency policy and regulatory decisions, international cooperation, and legislative developments.
• Monitor and track space policy and regulatory trends, both nationally and internationally, to provide timely insights to the organization and develop frameworks to address future issues.
• Communicate space policy and regulatory issues, findings, and potential solutions through research papers, conference presentations, panel discussions, social media, and video recordings.
• Support the organization of public events, lead panel discussions, and invite speakers to build an awareness and understanding of pressing space sector issues and challenges.
• Present to a variety of audiences, including briefings to senior leaders and presentations at public conferences.
• Develop time-sensitive strategic analysis at the intersection of technology, policy, and law for senior government leaders.
• Collaborate with internal teams and experts at the Aerospace Corporation to shape strategic approaches to technical issues.
• Engage with government agencies, industry partners, and other stakeholders in the space enterprise.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in a technical, STEM or policy-related field.
• 8 or more years of space policy-relevant work experience in the government or private sector.
• Demonstrated ability to write clear and compelling prose, especially for communicating complex and interdisciplinary issues to a wide audience.
• The ability to develop, design, and deliver self-initiated and customer-funded work based on quantitative and/or qualitative research methods.
• Strong skills researching, writing, and publicizing policy and strategy.
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain such a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public policy or law.
• Expertise in space regulatory matters, including national and international licensing of satellite systems and export controls.
• A strong record of publication and research leadership that distinguishes you as a public intellectual contributor in space policy.
• Meaningful experience working at or with senior levels in government related to regulation and licensing.

Pay

$117,300.00 - $175,900.00 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.