Commercial Space Futures (CSF) Office, Sr Project Leader

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.
At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration - to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
We remain committed to maintaining a safe environment for hiring as we look forward to the future of work. Click here for information on Aerospace's COVID-19 directives and safety procedures implemented to keep our workplace safe.
This position is the Senior Project Leader for Aerospace' Commercial Space Futures (CSF) Office within the Office of the Chief Technology Officer leading the initial stand-up and maturation of CSF in supporting internal Aerospace organizations working within the commercial space area, and external US Government customers, while also seeking to partner with commercial space capability/service providers.
What You Will Be Doing:

• Develop, mature, deliver and implement Aerospace multi-disciplined Bench-to-Battlefield commercial space capability/service independent assessment process and products in support of DoD, IC and Civil US Government customers and clients as the industry standard for independent, validation and verification (IV&V) methodology applicable to all space mission areas (e.g. SATCOM, ISR, PNT, SSA, Weather, TT&C, etc.
• Support the Systems Director interactions within Aerospace CSFO and executive management regarding strategy, business results, and resources. To include management of the CSF Corporate Strategic Investment efforts, and both on and off-ceiling STE management.
• Support development of capability need statements with government agencies and identify capability bottlenecks and gaps that could be met with the commercial space industry base and investor community.
• Support the CSFO's interface with commercial space providers, space and non-space technology experts and companies (including non-traditional applications) to assess their products, approaches, and technologies for integration into the space enterprise to outpace the threat and meet constantly evolving requirements.
• Support and as necessary establish partner teams within Aerospace to assess commercial technologies that have potential DoD space architecture applications and disseminate analysis across enterprise at a consistent cadence.
• Support the USSF/SSC Commercial Services Office (COMSO), and SSC's Front Door office/effort as required for requirements development and validation, source selection and evaluation, as well as other relevant policy, strategy, planning, and programming tasks and processes to resource USSF's and DoD's commercial space capability/service needs.
• Provide timely and relevant responses to Aerospace and US Government staff questions on technical and programmatic commercial space capability/service issues.
• Provide technical support in the development of position papers and official responses to the USSF, Congress, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Intelligence Community (IC) and Civil Space agencies.
• Build and sustain value-additive and mission enabling strategic relationships with commercial space providers, space and non-space technology experts and companies (including non-traditional applications). To also include, but not limited to Aerospace, FFRDCs, government and other representatives supporting current and potential future partner customer organizations.
• Coordinating closely with Aerospace personnel in other organizations to facilitate integration and cohesion across the commercial space capabilities and services within the space enterprise architecture and warfighting enterprises.
• Participate in technical forums (e.g., TechCrunch, Space Symposium), and draft and publish thought pieces on commercial space capabilities and services to develop, manage relationships , advise, and educate government and industry leaders.

Workplace location will vary between the Aerospace Crystal City and Chantilly facilities; given the unclassified and classified nature of this mission area telework will be at the discretion of the customers, tasks, and Principal Director.
What You Will Need To Be Successful:

• Proactive, fast learner with the willingness to work in a dynamic hi-visibility environment with routine engagement with the most executive levels of government and decision makers.
• 6 years of demonstrated ability in commercial space capabilities, related technologies and services, and/or development/engineering, and/or program management.
• Experience in commercial space systems technologies, capabilities, acquisition, and an understanding of space and ground systems development.
• Current knowledge of the commercial, DOD, IC and Civil space systems challenges and opportunities.
• Excellent full-spectrum communication and interpersonal skills; adept at written and verbal communication spanning a wide range of levels of detail and communication media/processes.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, science, computer science, finance or other technical or financial discipline.
• Willing to travel 25% and/or as desired/required.
• Possession and ability to maintain TS/SCI security clearance as issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out:

• Advanced degree in engineering, mathematics, science, computer science, finance or other technical or financial subject area.
• Working experience and familiarity with Aerospace' CSF CSI and the Bench to Battlefield process, DOD, IC and Civil space agency/organization National Security Space planning and processes.
• Solid understanding of Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group (ETG), Space Systems Group (SSG), Defense Systems Group (DSG), National Systems Group (NSG), and the Office of the Chief Technology Officer skills and capabilities.
• Experience working large, complex issues and the ability to break down problems into relevant steps to accomplish with a team.
• Currently having Special Access Program (SAP) clearance

Grade-Based Pay Range
(Min - Mid - Max)
$166,000 - $182,500 - $199,000
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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the supplement, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.