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 Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space-enabled mission effects.

The Opportunity

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 position centers on security-focused equities while integrating across the cislunar enterprise to position the U.S. Government (USG) for mission success.

This is a ground-floor opportunity to shape an emerging domain. As the Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) lead for cislunar integration, you will engage across policy, doctrine, technology, and research & development to drive progress in this strategically critical domain. You will provide technical and strategic leadership to shape cislunar infrastructure and mission capabilities across Aerospace, industry, and U.S. and allied partners. You will also collaborate with Aerospace’s internal teams leading lunar exploration support to ensure alignment across the corporation’s cislunar and lunar portfolios.

Reporting within the Enterprise Integration Solutions Office (EISO) within EED, you will drive integration across multiple stakeholders for the national space enterprise. You will partner with executive champions to advance the corporate strategy for cislunar space and execute associated Technical and Strategic Investment Priorities.

Work Model: 4 or more days per week on-site in (Chantilly, VA; El Segundo, CA; or Albuquerque, NM)

What You'll Be Doing

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

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum 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

How You Can Stand Out:

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

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)

$185,200.00 - $277,800.00
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.

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