Emerging Mission Integration 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 Opportunity

This position initially focuses solely on Cis lu nar space   but may pivot to address   additional   emerging national security space missions, as needs evolve.   Cislunar space—the region beyond geostationary altitude encompassing the Earth-Moon gravitational system— represents   a   strategically significant frontier   for national security . As   the   Emerging Mission   Integration   Lead (Principal Engineer) , you will play a foundational role in helping government leadership   establish   an enterprise architecture for cislunar capabilities.   Th is   position centers on security-focused equities while integrating across the cislunar enterprise to position the   U.S. Government ( USG )   for   mission   success.

This is a ground-floor opportunity to shape an emerging domain.   As the Engineering and Technology Group   (ETG)   lead for cislunar integration, you   will engage across policy, doctrine, technology, and research   &   development to drive progress in this   strategically critical   domain . You will p rovid e   technical and strategic leadership to shape cislunar infrastructure and mission capabilities across Aerospace, industry, and U . S .   and allied partners.   You will also   collaborate   with   Aerospace’s internal teams leading   lunar   exploration   support   to   ensur e   alignment   across   the corporation’s cislunar   and lunar   portfolios .

Reporting within   the Enterprise   Integration Solutions Office (EISO) within   EED, you will   drive   integration across multiple stakeholders   for the national space enterprise . You will   partner with   executive champions to advance the   c orporate   strategy for   c islunar   space   and execute associated Technical and Strategic Investment Priorities.

Work Model :     4 or more days per week on-site   in   (Chantilly,   VA;   El Segundo,   CA;   or Albuquerque , NM )

What You'll Be Doing

- Advance corporate cislunar   strategy   across the full spectrum of   national security   cislunar missions , in partnership with customer-facing groups and ETG   divisions

- Lead strategy development and   execution   for Aerospace's   c orporate Cislunar Technical and Strategic Investment Priorities

- Shape future cislunar   capabilities   by develop ing   strategies, concepts, and products for interoperable infrastructure—including domain awareness, communications, and position, navigation, and timing (PNT)

- Coordinate with   Aerospace’s internal teams   responsible for   complementary   lunar   exploration   mission area

- Lead execution   of cislunar initiatives through project management, research strategy alignment, and development of new corporate direction, goals, and investment opportunities

- Serve as   one of   Aerospace's external ly facing   leaders   on cislunar   matters   through publications,   interviews, and   professional forums   in   partner ship   with   the   Center for Space Strategy and Policy and   Corporate Communications

- Develop and foster strategic   partnerships   across academia, industry, and government

- Directly engage with senior government customers   to understand requirements and shape future architectures

- Build and influence cross-functional teams   to deliver integrated solutions for cislunar challenges

- Shape and lead   corporate   responses   to emerging mission needs as they arise

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum   Requirements:

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering , Science, or a related technical field

- 1 3 + years of professional experience   leading   or guiding strategic   initiatives   for space capabilities , with   demonstrated   progression to positions of increasing responsibility

- Systems-level understanding   across multiple cislunar mission areas (e.g., domain awareness,   communications, navigation, etc. )   with   demonstrated   ability to integrate across technical disciplines

- Proven thought   leadership   in defining and implementing novel concepts or strategies,   demonstrated   through   publications , white papers,   and presentations to senior decision-makers

- Exceptional communication skills   with   proven   ability to   lead   and influence   multi - disciplinary   teams and engage   senior stakeholders and   external partners

- Strategic , innovative approach   to complex problem solving   with ability to navigate ambiguity

- Current Top Secret/SCI clearance

How You Can Stand Out:

- Advanced degree ( Master's   or Ph.D.) in Engineering, Science, or a related technical field

- Direct l ead ership of   cislunar   or deep space   research, development, or   operation al   initiatives

- Proven   track record   building and   leading   high-performing technical teams

- Deep   technical   expertise   in   one or more areas:   space domain awareness,   satellite   communications,   or   PNT ,   with   demonstrated   knowledge of   relevant customer communities   and operational contexts

- Experience working across  national security ,   civil , and/or international partner   missions

- Active partic ipation   in professional organizations or advisory groups focused on space policy or emerging space domains

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)
$185,200.00 - $277,800.00

Pay 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 .