Acquisition and Engineering Research Capability Area 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.
The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.
Aerospace's Engineering Economic and Management Sciences (EEMS) Department is seeking an Acquisition and Engineering Research Capability Area Lead to join a diverse, innovative, and highly productive team of cost, schedule, and operations research professionals. This growing, geographically distributed department supports a wide range of customers across the National Security, Civil and Commercial, and International Space Communities. EEMS leverages expertise in cost, schedule, and economic engineering, along with operations research and management science techniques, to enhance cost- and schedule-related decision-making processes. The department also conducts integrated studies, technical deep dives, and comprehensive reviews that provide actionable insights and uncover risks and opportunities. These efforts enable decision-makers to balance trade-offs, optimize resource allocation, and develop robust solutions tailored to mission-critical challenges. By synthesizing lessons learned from a variety of programs, EEMS continually refines engineering management practices in cost, schedule, and risk analysis to deliver impactful and enduring results.
Work Model:

• This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA, offering a hybrid work model that combines at least 3 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

What You'll Be Doing

• Advise key stakeholders and government customers by conducting a variety of engineering economic and management science activities, including cost engineering, economic decision analysis, acquisition and engineering research, and the application of Operations Research and Management Sciences (OR/MS) techniques and tools.
• Lead the EEMS Acquisition and Engineering Research capability area, with responsibilities that include strategic capability studies, technical deep dives, best practices and development of cost and schedule estimating relationships and development as well as the management of project timelines to ensure tasks, milestones, and deadlines align with project objectives. Activities include Performance-based cost and schedule, and development of capabilities against subdivision priorities.
• Orchestrate acquisition engineering-related technical deep dives, trade studies, and assessments.
• Establish high-performing teams composed of multidisciplinary technical leaders, Aerospace Program Office personnel, and external customers, including defense and civil agencies such as the U.S. Space Force, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and others.
• Serve as a spokesperson to management and customers on matters related to acquisition and engineering research techniques and tools.
• Lead the development of departmental tools and ensure the implementation of best practices.
• Contribute to new business and technical planning efforts by continuously evolving the scope of responsibilities for the team.
• Actively engage with the professional community by leading and organizing events such as conferences, seminars, and industry forums. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities for engagement and growth.
• Spearhead research initiatives that foster innovation. Host educational workshops, brown-bag lunch sessions, and training programs to promote knowledge sharing.
• Act as a senior mentor, providing technical advice and guidance to junior staff and customers.
• Develop and deliver accurate and timely reports and presentations that clearly communicate results and solutions to support critical decision-making.

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (or a related science field), Mathematics, Operations Research, Project Management, or Operations Management.
• 12 years of relevant experience in cost, scheduling and program controls, and economic analysis preferably within the aerospace, defense, or advanced technology industries.
• Previous experience leading highly technical project teams.
• Familiarity with aerospace engineering processes, product lifecycle stages, and manufacturing workflows.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across corporate staff, peers, management, program offices, customers, and contractors.
• Demonstrated expertise in leading cross-functional teams, as well as mentoring junior team members.
• Familiarity with industry-standard cost/schedule and project management tools (e.g., SEER, ACEIT JACS, Primavera, Microsoft Project, Full Monte, Steelray Project Analyzer, Milestones Professional) and standard risk analysis tools (e.g., Crystal Ball, @Risk).
• Familiarity with standard cost and schedule methodologies.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that promotes excellence and collaboration.
• Willingness to travel domestically up to 10%.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in Engineering (or a related science field), Mathematics, Operations Research, Project Management, Operations Management, or Business Management.
• Prior leadership or management experience, particularly in source selection and evaluation processes.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels.
• Experience working in a program office setting, managing matrix support, and developing statements of work.
• Proficiency in computer programming and modeling for the development of tools that estimate the cost of space, ground, and launch systems.
• Knowledge of government scheduling practices (e.g., DoD, NRO, NASA).
• Knowledge of program planning, Earned Value Management, and Agile project management tools (e.g., JIRA).
• Recognition as a subject matter expert, demonstrated through publications, presentations, or contributions to the professional community.
• Teaching experience in technical subjects.
• Professional certification such as PMP, PSP, PMI-SP, CCP, CEP, CCEA, and PCEA, from recognized professional societies (e.g., PMI, AACE, ICEAA).
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security 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)
$155,900 - $233,900
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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.