Director, Space Object Risk — Strategic Leader

The Aerospace Corporation; United States; On-site; USD 168,000 - 252,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Relocation aid

Education benefits

Flexible spending

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation seeks a Director for the Space Object Risk Department to lead a world-class team of orbital analysts and debris modeling experts. You will partner with DoD, NASA, and industry to deliver data-driven risk assessments and mitigation strategies for safe, sustainable space operations.

This senior role requires guiding strategic vision, driving innovation in risk methodologies, and mentoring the next generation of experts while coordinating across defense, intelligence,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, statistics or related STEM field.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible technical experience in orbital mechanics, space traffic management, collision risk assessment, debris modeling, or space domain awareness.
• Proven leadership experience managing technical organizations, including staff development, performance evaluation, strategic planning, and R&D portfolio development.
• Demonstrated success building partnerships across organizations.
• Business development acumen with proven track record of expanding customer relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic vision for a multi-location department managing 30+ technical staff and managers.
• Drive risk assessment methodologies, debris modeling, and long-term debris environment evolution; infuse AI/ML into catalog creation and prediction.
• Cultivate relationships with defense agencies, intelligence organizations, civil space agencies, regulatory bodies, and commercial operators.
• Lead workforce development including recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and retention strategies; manage facilities and classified IT infrastructure.

Skills

Leadership

Space domain awareness

Risk assessment

Data-driven decision making

Collaboration

Business development

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, statistics, or related STEM field

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation seeks a Director for the Space Object Risk Department to lead a world-class team of orbital analysts and debris modeling experts. You will partner with DoD, NASA, and industry to deliver data-driven risk assessments and mitigation strategies for safe, sustainable space operations.

This senior role requires guiding strategic vision, driving innovation in risk methodologies, and mentoring the next generation of experts while coordinating across defense, intelligence,