Space Domain Awareness and Space Control Analyst

The Aerospace Corporation; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care

Paid holidays and vacation

Relocation assistance

401(k) with company match

Professional growth programs

Education assistance

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in Chantilly, VA, seeks a Space Domain Awareness and Space Control Analyst to join the Space Control and Awareness Department. You will develop analytical methods, run simulations, evaluate sensor systems, and support national security space operations.

This role offers onsite work at Chantilly or El Segundo, collaboration with government customers, and growth through leadership opportunities while strengthening modeling, data analysis, and programming skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or related technical field.
• 2+ years of professional experience in engineering, scientific analysis, or related fields (4+ years for senior-level).
• Background or strong interest in space domain awareness or space control.
• Experience with modeling, simulation, data analysis, and/or algorithm development.
• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, Java, C++, C, or FORTRAN.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently and in a team.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply analytical methods, algorithms, and simulations to solve complex space surveillance challenges.
• Use modeling and simulation tools to conduct technical analyses.
• Evaluate sensor systems including EO/IR, radar, and RF systems.
• Assess threats to space systems and contribute to resilience strategies.
• Analyze risks to satellite operations from interference to counter-space activities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on studies covering mission operations.
• Present findings and lead analytical studies, building leadership and communication skills.

Skills

Modeling & simulation

Data analysis

Algorithm development

Python

MATLAB

C++

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/physics/math/CS

Job description

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 Enterprise Effects Division (EED) tackles some of the nation’s most important space challenges. Our dynamic team brings together engineers, scientists, and analysts from multiple disciplines to work on cutting‑edge programs that support national security. We're involved in every stage of capability development—from initial concept design through performance assessment to real‑world application of space technologies.

The Space Control and Awareness Department (SCAD) is seeking a motivated analyst to join our mission‑focused team. We develop innovative concepts, engineer advanced systems, and create algorithms that support national security space operations. Our work spans multiple technology areas including space domain awareness (SDA), sensor systems (radar, electro‑optical, and infrared), electronic warfare (EW), directed energy (DE), and space protection.

As a Space Domain Awareness and Space Control Analyst, you'll contribute to critical national security missions while developing your technical and leadership skills. You'll work on wide-ranging and multifaceted projects involving analytical support, algorithm development, systems engineering, and modeling and simulation. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with government customers, program offices across multiple locations, and technical experts throughout the organization.

Whether you’re early in your career or an experienced professional, this position offers growth opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact on space operations and national security.

Work Model:

100% onsite at one of the Aerospace Corporation locations in Chantilly VA, or El Segundo CA.

What You'll Do

• Develop and apply analytical methods, algorithms, and simulations to solve complex space surveillance challenges
• Use a variety of modeling and simulation tools—both commercial and custom-built—to conduct technical analyses
• Evaluate sensor systems and technologies, including electro‑optical, infrared, radar, and radio frequency systems
• Assess threats to space systems and contribute to strategies that enhance resilience and protection
• Analyze risks from various threats to satellite operations, from interference to counter‑space activities
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on studies covering mission operations
• Present findings and lead analytical studies, building your leadership and communication skills

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or related technical field
• 2+ years of professional experience in engineering, scientific analysis, or related fields (4+ years for senior‑level consideration)
• Background or strong interest in space domain awareness, or space control
• Experience with modeling, simulation, data analysis, and/or algorithm development
• Programming experience in one or more languages such as Python, MATLAB, Java, C++, C, or FORTRAN
• Strong communication skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multiple stakeholders, including government personnel and contractors
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How To Stand Out

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in a technical field
• Active security clearance (TS/SCI)
• Familiarity with sensor technologies (EO/IR sensors, missile warning/defense systems)
• Military or operational experience in space or missile defense operations
• Experience with command and control systems
• Knowledge of electronic warfare (EW) or directed energy (DE)
• Experience with space surveillance networks or satellite tracking operations

Salary

(Min - Max)

$86,600.00 - $129,800.00

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

• 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 [e-mail] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.