Space Domain Awareness and Directed Energy Analyst
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation’s Enterprise Effects Division (EED) addresses challenges in space operations, including emerging threats to satellite systems and next-generation space domain awareness capabilities. The Space Control and Awareness Department (SCAD) supports national security space missions through systems engineering, architecture analysis, modeling and simulation, and operational support across space domain awareness, advanced sensor systems, radar and optical sensors, directed energy and nuclear effects, orbit determination, and space protection. The Space Domain Awareness and Directed Energy Analyst contributes to projects supporting space operations and national security. The role assesses threats and resilience affecting satellite operations, supports space control and directed energy mission planning and analysis, evaluates sensor concepts and architectures, models complex space scenarios, and participates in operational simulations and wargaming. The analyst collaborates with government customers, program offices, and technical teams.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, astronomy, or a related field.
- Experience in one or more of the following areas: space domain awareness or space surveillance; optical and radar sensor systems; space control, counterspace, or space protection missions; satellite operations, orbit analysis, or space situational awareness; or directed energy concepts such as lasers or nuclear effects.
- Experience with modeling, simulation, and/or algorithm development.
- Proficiency in at least one programming language: Python, MATLAB, C++, Java, C, or FORTRAN.
- Ability to develop or use computer tools to solve complex interdisciplinary problems.
- Strong briefing and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with senior government officials, contractors, and cross-functional teams.
- Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Active TS/SCI clearance.
- Military or operational background, such as experience as an orbit analyst, space control operator, intelligence analyst, or battle manager in air, maritime, or missile defense domains.
- Familiarity with Space Surveillance Network (SSN) sensors or other space surveillance systems.
- Command and control (C2) background.
- EO or radar sensor expertise.
- Systems engineering or architecture development experience.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate risks to satellite operations from optical threats such as lasers, nuclear effects, RF threats, debris, collisions, and counterspace activities.
- Contribute to orbital warfare and directed energy mission planning and analysis.
- Evaluate electro-optical (EO), radar, and passive RF sensor concepts and architectures.
- Use custom, commercial, and government tools to model and analyze complex space scenarios.
- Participate in operational simulations and wargaming that shape future space strategies.
- Collaborate with government customers, program offices, and technical teams across Colorado Springs, El Segundo, Chantilly, and other locations.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
- Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
- Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
- 401(k) plan with a company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire.
- Flexible spending accounts.
- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
- Relocation assistance.
- Professional growth and development programs.
- Education assistance programs.
- Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
