Space Domain Awareness Technical Fellow

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

10d•$203,800 - $305,600•Hybrid

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. Shape the Future of Space Security As orbital populations grow exponentially, the global space community needs visionary technical leaders to ensure all operators can see, understand, and act with situational awareness and decision advantage. The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, operating a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC). We deliver innovative solutions spanning satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial customers. Join a team of problem solvers and innovators defining the future of space operations. The Opportunity The Mission Operations Subdivision within the Enterprise Effects Division is creating a Technical Fellow position for Space Domain Awareness (SDA), a rare opportunity to drive national strategy and technical innovation. You'll work directly with defense, civil, and commercial operators, and the intelligence community (IC) to architect sensor networks, data fusion systems, and space traffic management capabilities for an increasingly congested, contested, and competitive domain.

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 required

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 senior government, military, civil, allied, and commercial leaders on critical SDA challenges
Lead integrated architectures fusing multi-source data into actionable decision support
Advance space traffic management, collision avoidance, anomaly assessment, and space sustainability capabilities
Position Aerospace as the technical leader in SDA
Develop technical talent across national security, civil, allied, and commercial programs
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