National Space Policy & Strategy Engineer

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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

In this opportunity you will serve as a National Space Policy & Strategy Engineer (Project Engineer / Senior Project Engineer – International Programs & Enterprise Architect Engineering) in the Enterprise Strategy and Business Planning department within the Systems Engineering & Launch Division.  You will be supporting the customer’s Office of Policy and Strategy (OP&S) at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).  OP&S is responsible for a broad range of space & intelligence policies and strategies including NRO’s management of international partnerships.

Work Model

This position requires 100% on site work in Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting and leading technical reviews of sensitive space technologies and the U.S. space industrial base with regards to proposed foreign investments in U.S. firms
• Supporting and leading technical reviews of remote sensing research, analysis, and policy related to commercial space remote sensing licensing activities
• Supporting technical reviews of export control regulations and policies
• Supporting and providing technical review of foreign engagement strategies and arrangements
• Supporting technical assessments of proposed modifications to space policies and/or strategies

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer – International Programs & Enterprise Architect Engineering

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering, mathematics, or science field
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in engineering, strategy, or technical field
• Familiarity with current and planned national security space and ground systems
• Strong interest and enthusiasm for understanding global space mission environment and operations
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple simultaneous tasks and distributed teams
• Willingness to travel infrequently if required.   
• This position requires a current and active TS/SBI/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer – International Programs & Enterprise Architect Engineering include:

• 10 years of experience in engineering, strategy, or technical field with demonstrated increasing level of responsibility
• Highly motivated self-starter capable of both independent analysis and collaborating with teams
• Ability to analyze technical data, maintain objectivity, produce novel insights and conclusions, and effectively communicate the results
• Experience with the U.S. space industrial base and related policy issues
• Strong communication skills to be able to effectively coordinate exchanges between technical staff, government customers, and mission partners
• Experience in consensus building across a broad set of stakeholders with varied objectives
• Demonstrated flexibility and experience with independently prioritizing and managing multiple simultaneous tasks for a variety of government customers
• Willingness to mentor and guide less experienced staff

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or an appropriate technical discipline
• Experience with national and international space and intelligence policy and strategies
• Experience and knowledge of acquisition and mergers and foreign investment policies and processes
• Experience with commercial space remote sensing policies and/or export control regulations and policies
• Familiarity with new and emerging space-based technologies
• Experience with and knowledge of IC, DoD, and International mission partners
• Demonstrated history of proactive engagement and the flexibility to work in a dynamic environment
• Experience developing and presenting strategic decision-making & communications artifacts for senior leaders

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, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.