Project Leader, Commercial Space Futures- Emerging Programs

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 Aerospace Corporation is committed to advancing and accelerating the application of U.S. commercial space capabilities for the benefit of government customers through its Commercial Space Futures Office (CSFO). CSFO is an organization within the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) which supports the U.S. space enterprise to maximize U.S. government access to and incorporation of commercial space capabilities and technologies. CSFO supports the government via the following:

• Identify, Align, and Connect Commercial Solutions and National Needs  
• Inform Technology Readiness through Due Diligence Assessments 
• Enablers- Accelerate Execution by Influencing Space Regulations and Standards  
• Build Confidence through Capability Maturation, Testbeds, and Proving Grounds  

The Project Leader, Commercial Space Futures (CSF), based in El Segundo, CA, assesses technical capabilities, skill sets, and equipment from both technical and customer perspectives to identify emerging technologies that can be applied or adapted to meet near- and medium-term customer needs. This role also supports the Systems Director in positioning Aerospace to help national security space government customers better leverage and integrate commercial space capabilities and services.

Work Model

This position is hybrid requiring onsite work 3-4 days/week.

What You’ll Be Doing

Reporting to the Commercial Space Futures Systems Director, this position requires an unusually broad breadth of skills, including technical knowledge, clear communication style, strategic mindset and strong interpersonal skills.  Responsibilities include:

• Commercial Technologies’ Value Proposition Following technical assessment, identify a commercial provider’s value proposition with regard to a government space mission, and assess its worthiness for further investment of Government and/or Aerospace Corporation time or resources in investigating for potential adoption by a government customer.
• DoD Program Office Support the Systems Director and works with appropriate points of contact in the DoD program office to support technology identification and evaluation for Government space program evaluation and adoption. 
• Technical Assessment: As needed, support the Systems Director and work with appropriate partners and the Engineering Technology Group (ETG) to provide preliminary technical assessments of emerging technology, including tools, products, services and systems that are designed to provide a service or satisfy a need primarily for US Space Force, but may include NASA, NOAA and other US Government space-faring agencies and support agencies.  Support the organization of technical assessments by members of CSF and ETG.
• Partnerships Brings idea generation, leadership, program development and program oversight to partnerships with start-ups, accelerators, incubators, national labs and university programs as needed

• Technology Identification: Support the Systems Director and initiates own research on emerging technology that could be applied or modified to serve near and medium-term customer needs and requirements. 
• Environmental Scanning: Monitors industry publications and may participate in events that provide insight into user demand in order to more closely align capabilities to user needs.
• Planning and Programs: Assists in the development of budgets, schedules, and performance standards as needed. 
• Will occasion to lead briefings, emerging technology topics, and support technical meetings of internal and external representatives.

What You Need to be Successful- Project Leader, Commercial Space Futures/ Project Leader, Enterprise Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree in [applicable STEM areas or other discipline] (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months) 
• 3-5 years of industry work experience  
• Willing to travel [domestically/internationally] approx. 10-20%