Milcomm Futures 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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including United States Space Force, United States Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation.

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a highly skilled and dynamic professional to join our team as the Milcomm Futures Lead for the Communication and Navigation Capabilities Division. As the Futures Lead, you will be the direct counterpart to the government Milcomm and PNT Directorate Futures Branch chief and engage with the stakeholder community to recommend, develop, and evaluate technical initiatives that help pivot the Directorate portfolio towards the SWAC Force Design vision including commercial hybrid architectures, systems integration, and interoperability. This includes coordinating across the Aerospace backplane on systems analyses, threat analyses, future architecture concepts, technology assessments, commercial and systems integration, interoperability initiatives, special studies, laboratory experiments, technology demonstrations, prototyping, and pathfinders across the enterprise. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional technical communication skills, the ability to think strategically and holistically, project management expertise, and willingness and initiative to learn the SATCOM mission area.

Work Model: This is a hybrid position based at the Los Angeles Air Force Base. Telecommuting up to 2 days per week depending on the needs of the customer.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Distilling complex concepts from domain experts and government partners.
• Act as a liaison between technical authorities and government collaborators to facilitate effective knowledge transfer.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to convey insights effectively.
• Work with partners and across the Aerospace backplane to develop and implement a strategic vision for the Futures area.
• Provide thought leadership and strategic guidance to the organization.
• Lead and manage projects within the Futures area, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and resources to implement projects effectively.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Explore and evaluate commercial options.
• Collaborate with external partners and industry experts to identify commercial opportunities.
• Devise strategies for transitioning new capabilities and innovations into programs of record.
• Work closely with government team members to align priorities and requirements.

What You Need to be Successful – Project Engineer, Systems Engineer – Acquisition

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor of Science or higher degree from a technical program in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science or other applicable technical degree
• Six or more years of related experience including SATCOM
• Some travel is required
• This position requires a secret security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer – Systems Engineering Acquisition

• Ten or more years of related experience including SATCOM
• Experience with the government acquisition processes
• Demonstrated ability to professionally engage with customers and U.S. Government
• Proven leadership in SATCOM
• Established ability to lead small teams and coordinate the technical activities of multiple contributors

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Expertise evaluating and applying commercial technology to defense applications
• Work developing and acquiring advanced technology demonstrations
• Experience developing and driving progress on a technology roadmap
• Active TS/SCI clearance

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)

$117,300 – $226,900

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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.