Communication Strategist II

PCI Productions, LLC; Edwards (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

PCI Productions (PCI-P) seeks a Communication Strategist II to serve as a liaison between Armstrong Flight Research Center operations and NASA HQ. This on-site role supports flight test communications, media engagement, and contingency messaging for high-visibility missions in Edwards, CA.

You will translate complex aviation and research activities into clear public messaging, develop story ideas, coordinate with engineers and pilots, and provide surge support during critical events.

Qualifications

• Strong aviation/flight ops knowledge or ability to rapidly learn complex operational environments.
• Excellent writing samples required.
• Ability to translate technical and operational content into clear public messaging.
• Experience in public affairs, media engagement, and strategic/enterprise-level communications.
• Ability to work in fast-paced operational environments with shifting priorities.
• Familiarity with NASA communications standards, clearance processes, enterprise tools, and crisis communications protocols.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison between Armstrong's communications and aircraft operations teams and NASA HQ's Office of Communications, mission directorates, projects, and partner centers.
• Ensure aircraft operations and flight test communication products align with enterprise messaging, clearance processes, and agency priorities.
• Support multi-center coordination for cross-center flight projects.
• Provide story development, media support, and on-site communications during flight test operations, airborne research campaigns, developmental aircraft activities, and specialized demonstrations.
• Respond to media queries and develop accurate, timely messaging informed by operational realities and subject‑matter experts.
• Provide scalable communications support during peak mission periods, major events, VIP visits, or high-visibility milestones.
• Collaborate with pilots, flight operations personnel, engineers, and project managers to develop accurate communication plans and products.

Skills

Aviation ops

Writing skills

Clear messaging

Public affairs

Crisis communications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field

Job description

Communication Strategist II - Strategic Aircraft Operations Liaison

Hiring Company: PCI Productions (PCI-P)

Location: NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA

Contract: NASA Communication Services (NCS) Contract

Position Type: Full-Time, On-Site

Clearance: U.S. Citizenship Required

Position Overview

PCI-P is seeking a Strategic Communications Specialist II to serve as a communications liaison supporting NASA Armstrong's role as the agency's Flight Test & Aircraft Operations Center of Excellence. This position delivers operationally aligned communications expertise for aircraft capabilities, research flight operations, developmental programs, airborne science missions, and specialized aviation facilities. The role also provides surge capacity for high-visibility missions, media engagement, and emergency or contingency communications.

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise & Mission Coordination

• Serve as a liaison between Armstrong's communications and aircraft operations teams and NASA HQ's Office of Communications, mission directorates, projects, and partner centers.
• Ensure aircraft operations and flight test communication products align with enterprise messaging, clearance processes, and agency priorities.
• Support multi-center coordination for cross-center flight projects.
• Flight Test & Aircraft Operations Communications
• Maintain awareness of aircraft schedules, capabilities, mission readiness, test milestones, demonstrations, and facility activities.
• Provide story development, media support, and on-site communications during flight test operations, airborne research campaigns, developmental aircraft activities, and specialized demonstrations.
• Media & Public Affairs Support
• Respond to media queries and develop accurate, timely messaging informed by operational realities and subject‑matter experts.
• Support news releases, media coordination, features, public information responses, and other aviation-related communications products.
• Surge & Contingency Support
• Provide scalable communications support during peak mission periods, major events, VIP visits, or high-visibility milestones.
• Strengthen Armstrong's readiness for emergency, mishap, or contingency communications.
• Cross-Mission Integration & Emerging Projects
• Support early-stage or emerging aviation-related projects, including new aircraft modifications, research campaigns, and specialized flight demonstrations.
• Collaborate with pilots, flight operations personnel, engineers, and project managers to develop accurate communication plans and products.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of aviation, flight operations, aircraft systems, or demonstrated ability to rapidly learn complex operational environments.
• Excellent writing skills (writing samples required).
• Ability to translate complex technical and operational content into clear, accessible messaging for the public.
• Experience in public affairs, media engagement, and strategic or enterprise-level communications.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced operational environments with shifting priorities.
• Familiarity with NASA communications standards, clearance processes, enterprise tools, and crisis communications protocols.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, aviation communication, or a related field.
• Experience supporting aviation, aerospace, or government programs.
• Experience providing on-site support for operational activities or field campaigns.

About PCI Productions (PCI-P)

PCI-P is part of the PCI Federal Services group of companies and delivers high-quality communications support to NASA and other federal customers. We are committed to supporting our team members through competitive benefits, professional development, and meaningful mission-focused work.

PCI Federal (PCIF) and its subsidiaries are an equal-opportunity employer. PCIF does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation or identity, Veterans or Disability status.

Preference may be extended to qualified Native American Indian candidates in accordance with applicable federal law.