Space Domain Awareness Technical Fellow

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Technical Fellow for Space Domain Awareness (SDA) within the Mission Operations Subdivision of the Enterprise Effects Division. This is a unique opportunity to influence national strategy and drive technical innovation in SDA. The role involves collaborating with defense, civil, and commercial operators, as well as the intelligence community (IC), to design sensor networks, data fusion systems, and space traffic management capabilities for an increasingly complex space environment. The Technical Fellow will be instrumental in addressing challenges such as conjunction avoidance, debris mitigation, on-orbit servicing, and potential threats in domains ranging from Low Earth Orbit to cislunar space.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in STEM, Engineering, Physics, or related field.
15+ years in SDA, space surveillance, traffic management, or space system architectures.
Experience leading SDA sensor systems, data fusion architectures, and tracking solutions.
Hands-on experience with government or commercial SDA systems (Space Surveillance Network sensors, IC systems, or commercial platforms).
Track record leading R&D in sensors, algorithms, conjunction assessment, or traffic management.
Ability to build and lead multi-disciplinary technical teams.
Exceptional communication skills engaging senior officials, commercial partners, and research communities.
Mentoring and leadership experience.
Ability to obtain Top Secret/SCI clearance; U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related field.
Expertise in orbital mechanics, sensor phenomenology, tracking algorithms, and data fusion.
AI/ML knowledge for tracking, pattern analysis, anomaly detection, and orbit determination.
Space-based sensor design and modeling and simulation performance experience.
Cislunar and deep space domain awareness experience.
Familiarity with conjunction assessment, collision avoidance, debris mitigation, and space battle management.
Understanding of cyber threats and SDA system resilience.
Knowledge of commercial SDA capabilities and business models.
Delivering actionable insights on critical defense, civil, or commercial programs.
Prototyping and transitioning SDA solutions from concept to operations.
Compartmented DoD/IC missions (current Top Secret/SCI clearance; current Special Access Program clearances) or commercial SDA operations.
NASA civil space missions, planetary defense, or traffic coordination.
Bridging commercial, defense, and civil sectors, aligning stakeholder needs with innovation.
Establishing partnerships across DoD, IC, NASA, commercial operators, and international communities.
Knowledge of international partnerships, data sharing frameworks, and commercial data integration.
Understanding of space policy, regulatory frameworks, and international norms.

Responsibilities

Drive next-generation SDA system architectures spanning ground and space-based sensors (radar, optical, infrared, passive RF).
Pioneer AI/ML integration for automated tracking, anomaly detection, pattern-of-life analysis, and support to space battle management.
Shape corporate investment in emerging SDA technologies with Aerospace's Office of the Chief Technology Officer.
Expand mission reach into cislunar and beyond GEO domain awareness.
Mentor the next generation of SDA experts across sensors, data fusion, orbital mechanics, and object characterization.
Bridge defense, intelligence, civil, commercial, and international communities to accelerate the delivery of solutions.
Partner with customers and operators to develop innovative SDA architectures addressing emerging challenges.
Engage commercial SDA providers and civil agencies to align technical approaches and data standards.
Position Aerospace as the premier SDA technical authority, pioneering cislunar and deep space awareness.
Advise executives on technical investments and R&D priorities across defense, civil, and commercial applications.
Serve as technical authority on SDA systems, leading sensor architectures, data fusion systems, and command and control capabilities.
Drive AI/ML applications transforming SDA operations from automated tracking to predictive orbit determination.
Integrate SDA with space operations, intelligence, sustainability, and cyber.
Advance frameworks for data sharing and collaboration across government, commercial, and international networks.
Mentor staff in sensor phenomenology, data fusion, orbital mechanics, and object characterization.
Advise on succession planning and workforce development for expanding SDA missions.
Build multi-disciplinary teams spanning sensors, data processing, astrodynamics, and analytics.

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