Commercial Technical Assessment Lead

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 Enterprise Integration Solutions Office guides the solution of cross-agency, multi-mission capability orchestration problems by building and leveraging integration expertise throughout the corporation. We build agile project teams who collaborate across disciplines, customers, international partners, and industry in support of national outcomes.     

The Commercial Space Integration Center (CSIC) integrates cutting-edge commercial solutions into government space missions, enhancing national capabilities. We bridge industry advancements with national objectives by surveying the market for innovative concepts, fostering relationships, assessing solution viability, and promoting modern acquisition strategies. We are looking for a Commercial Technical Assessment Lead (Project Leader – Enterprise Systems Engineering) within the CSIC to lead teams that conduct rigorous technical evaluations to ensure commercial solutions meet mission requirements and seamlessly integrate into national capabilities. 

Work Model  

This full-time position requires 100% onsite work in Chantilly, VA, El Segundo, CA, or Colorado Springs, CO. 

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Develop and deliver decision support products or detailed technical evaluations of commercial offerings/technologies to determine their viability and readiness for integration into government systems. 

• Lead teams to perform commercial requirements discovery, reference architecture development, systems engineering services, end-to-end technical viability assessments, service portfolio optimization, and integrated foresight products for our customers. 

• Identify and advise customers on the technical risks associated with integrating commercial solutions into national capabilities. 

• Collaborate with national space enterprise customers to understand their mission requirements and challenges. 

• Foster relationships with commercial vendors and industry partners to stay abreast of the latest technological advancements and trends. 

• Support rapid prototyping initiatives to demonstrate the potential of commercial technologies in operational environments. 

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements for the Project Leader:  

• Bachelor’s degree Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering Management, or related STEM discipline   

• 6 years of experience in systems engineering and technical assessments 

• Proven experience in technical viability evaluation and integration planning. 

• Strong skills in integrated performance analysis and technical risk management. 

• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities to work with cross-functional teams and external partners. 

• Willing to travel to meet the needs of the organization and customers, approximately 10-25% of the time    

• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.      

How You Can Stand Out  

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

• Advanced degree or graduate certificates with coursework in system-of-systems engineering, enterprise system engineering, modeling and simulation analysis, and/or digital engineering  

• Demonstrated leadership in driving the integration of commercial solutions into government missions 

• Knowledge of government space mission architectures as well as relevant commercial market segments. 

• Experience leading major Modeling, Simulation & Analysis (MS&A) and acquisition initiatives across FFRDCs, government entities, UARCs, SETAs, and/or industry. 

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)

$135,300.00 - $202,900.00Pay 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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.