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.
Lead the Team Ensuring Safe Operations in an Increasingly Contested Space Environment
The space domain has never been more crowded or complex. Tens of thousands of tracked objects orbit Earth. Mega-constellations are launching at unprecedented rates. Debris events threaten critical assets. Every decision about operating safely in space depends on rigorous risk assessment and mitigation analysis.
The Aerospace Corporation is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) providing technical expertise to the nation's space programs. We deliver innovative solutions across satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial customers.
The Mission Operations Subdivision seeks a Director for our Space Object Risk Department (SORD) . Lead a world-class team of orbital analysts, debris modeling experts, and space domain awareness specialists who assess and mitigate hazards across the entire space environment.
Partner directly with Do W , Intelligence Community, NASA, FAA, FCC, and commercial space operators to develop data-driven insights, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies that enable safe, sustainable operations in an increasingly congested and contested domain.
As Director, you'll shape the strategic vision for national space safety capabilities, drive technical innovation in risk assessment methodologies, and mentor the next generation of experts while bridging defense, intelligence, civil, commercial, and international communities.
Full-time position , minimum four days per week onsite based in Chantilly, VA; Colorado Springs, CO; or El Segundo, CA .
Formulate business strategies alongside Engineering and Technology Group partners in critical domains such as collision and electromagnetic risk assessment, debris forensics, space traffic management enterprise modeling, and cataloging process improvement
Drive excellence across launch and on-orbit risk assessment, debris event analysis and forensics, long-term debris environment evolution, and disposal/reentry analysis
Business Development & Customer Engagement
Cultivate relationships across defense agencies, intelligence organizations, civil space agencies, regulatory bodies, and commercial operators
Represent the department at customer engagements, regulatory forums, corporate events, and technical conferences
What You Need to be Successful (Minimum Requirements)
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, statistics, or related STEM field
10+ years of progressively responsible technical experience in orbital mechanics, space traffic management , collision risk assessment, debris modeling, or space domain awareness
Proven leadership experience managing technical organizations, including staff development, performance evaluation, strategic planning, and R&D portfolio development
Exceptional communication skills to influence senior government officials, regulatory bodies, industry partners, and internal stakeholders
Advanced degree ( Master's or Ph.D.) in aerospace engineering, astronautics, applied mathematics, statistics, or related field
Deep expertise in collision probability assessment, debris breakup modeling, long-term debris environment evolution, space object catalog analysis
Experience with space environment databases, orbit determination, covariance modeling, or sensor performance analysis
Operational experience supporting conjunction assessment, debris event response, launch collision avoidance, or space traffic coordination decision-making
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)
$168,200.00 - $252,400.00
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 .
