Economist

The Aerospace Corporation•Chantilly, VA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems. The Economic and Market Analysis Center (EMAC) at the Aerospace Corporation provides economic analysis and research to support the national security space (NSS) community. As the space sector becomes increasingly commercialized, we provide government agencies with rigorous economic analysis to understand market dynamics, assess supply chain vulnerabilities, and evaluate the health of the space industrial base. We are a group of applied economists and financial analysts developing econometric and financial models; conducting empirical research on questions that matter to NSS and other U.S. government customers. Our customers use our work to help with procurement decisions, investment strategies, and policy development related to commercial space activities. As an Economist in EMAC, you will conduct applied research on economic issues in the space sector. This includes building econometric models, analyzing supply chains, and developing sector-specific forecasts. You will also occasionally provide technical advice to senior government officials, review contractor business plans, and assess the economic viability of space-related firms. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Chantilly or Crystal City, VA

Requirements

Master’s in applied economics or closely related field, with a strong background in econometrics and statistics.
6 or more years of experience conducting empirical research using econometric, statistical, and/or computational methods.
Proficiency in statistical software, such as R, Python, or MATLAB.
Excellent writing skills, including the ability to communicate complex quantitative findings to non-technical audiences.
Excellent presentation skills, including the ability to give clear, concise, and persuasive presentations to senior government officials.
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government.
US citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

Nice To Haves

Prior research experience in defense economics or economics of the space industry.
Expertise in causal inference, industrial organization models, network analysis, and/or supply chain modeling.
Active TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

Conduct quantitative research and write reports on economic questions related to the space sector.
Design and implement econometric models of commercial space markets and supporting supply chains.
Provide timely analysis and input on emerging economic developments affecting government customers.
Build relationships with government customers and identify new research opportunities.
Collaborate with colleagues across Aerospace on cross-cutting research questions.

Benefits

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