Economist - Senior Project Engineer

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.

Job Summary

The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including Air Force Space Command, U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation.

The Market and Supply Chain Analysis Directorate provides technical intelligence on worldwide space and missile system threats related to technology development and industrial base capability, and conducts business, market, and supply chain intelligence analysis to support a broad range of U.S. Government customers.

As the Economist (Senior Project Engineer—Economic & Market Analysis), you will conduct research on businesses and economic trends related to the space sector. Key responsibilities include creating econometric models, performing supply chain analysis and providing macro-economic research and forecasts. Additionally, you will offer technical counsel to senior government officials, conduct periodic reviews of contractor business plans and assess business viability.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time, on-site at our facility located in Crystal City, VA; Chantilly, VA or El Segundo, CA.

What You'll Be Doing

• Conducting quantitative research on economics and supply chain in the space sector and providing rapid counsel on emerging activity that affect USG customers.
• Design and oversee econometric models that assess business viability and the health of space supply chain within various programs
• Provide technical expertise to ensure successful execution of economic, market, and supply chain analyses.
• Establish and maintain Aerospace’s positive reputation with new and existing customers and cultivate new customers and line of research.
• Communicate effectively in presentations and written reports.
• Drive and facilitate cross-customer coordination via proactive engagement with other teams within Aerospace.
  
  

What You Need To Be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Economist (Senior Project Engineer—Economic & Market Analysis):

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, or closely related field is required
• 12 or more years of progressively demonstrated expertise in quantitative, econometric, statistical, or computational methods is required
• Proficiency in statistical software such as R, Python and MATLAB
• Excellent written communication skills - organize complex materials and concepts in clear and logical manner
• Excellent verbal communication skills - clear, concise, persuasive; builds consensus through speaking; polished, professional style
• Ability to travel as required (on average quarterly for approximately a week)
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/ 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 economics or closely related field is strongly preferred
• Prior experience in econometric analysis specifically related to space or defense sector supply chain
• Experience in research methods: causal inference, network analysis, supply chain modeling
• A current TS/SSBI/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government is strongly preferred. 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)

$151,300 - $226,900

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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.