2027 Economist

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.

Job Description

The Economic and Market Analysis Center (EMAC) at the Aerospace Corporation is looking to hire an early-career Ph.D. research economist with a strong empirical background in applied microeconomics and/or industrial organization.

EMAC conducts economic research for civil and national security space communities. We are a group of applied economists and financial analysts working closely with U.S. government officials on empirical questions related to the future of the space sector. As space becomes increasingly commercialized, our research helps government agencies understand market dynamics, design regulatory frameworks, assess supply chain vulnerabilities, and develop plans for strengthening the space industrial base.

As part of the EMAC team, you will conduct applied research on economic issues related to the space sector, including building econometric models and developing sector-specific expertise. Our work spans many applied economic disciplines, including industrial organization, labor, policy evaluation, network analysis, forecasting, and trade. A broad range of research interests and methods is a plus, but we do not expect candidates to have expertise in all of these. Prior knowledge of the commercial space sector is also a plus but not required.

The Aerospace Corporation is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) providing technical expertise and analysis to the U.S. space enterprise. As a non-profit, our foremost commitment is to objective and rigorous analysis that makes U.S. space programs effective.

As part of the application, candidates will need to submit a cover letter, a CV, letters of reference, and their job market paper. The deadline for the applications is November 27, 2026, and we expect to schedule virtual interviews with candidates starting around mid-December.

Work Location: This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA

What You'll Be Doing

• Conduct quantitative research and write reports on economic questions related to the space sector.
• Design and implement econometric models of commercial space markets, supply chains, and government policies.
• Provide timely analysis and input on emerging economic developments affecting government customers.
• Build relationships with government customers and identify new research opportunities.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Aerospace on cross-cutting research questions.

What You Need to Be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Recent or anticipated 2027 Ph.D. in economics or a closely related field, with a demonstrated ability to conduct independent empirical research. (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) 
• 0-1 year of industry experience
• Proficiency in statistical software, such as R, Python, STATA, or MATLAB.
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to communicate complex quantitative findings to non-technical audiences.
• Excellent presentation skills, including the ability to give clear, concise, and persuasive presentations to senior government officials.
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• transcripts required

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Specific research expertise in causal inference, industrial organization models, network analysis, and/or supply chain modeling.
• Research experience in defense economics or economics of the space industry.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

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)

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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.