Economist

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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The Economic and Market Analysis Center (EMAC) at the Aerospace Corporation provides economic analysis and research to support the national security space (NSS) community. As the space sector becomes increasingly commercialized, we provide government agencies with rigorous economic analysis to understand market dynamics, assess supply chain vulnerabilities, and evaluate the health of the space industrial base. We are a group of applied economists and financial analysts developing econometric and financial models; conducting empirical research on questions that matter to NSS and other U.S. government customers. Our customers use our work to help with procurement decisions, investment strategies, and policy development related to commercial space activities.

As an Economist in EMAC, you will conduct applied research on economic issues in the space sector. This includes building econometric models, analyzing supply chains, and developing sector-specific forecasts. You will also occasionally provide technical advice to senior government officials, review contractor business plans, and assess the economic viability of space-related firms.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Chantilly or Crystal City, VA

What You'll Be Doing

• Conduct quantitative research and write reports on economic questions related to the space sector.
• Design and implement econometric models of commercial space markets and supporting supply chains.
• Provide timely analysis and input on emerging economic developments affecting government customers.
• Build relationships with government customers and identify new research opportunities.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Aerospace on cross-cutting research questions.

What You Need to Be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer – Economic and Market Analysis:

• Master’s in applied economics or closely related field, with a strong background in econometrics and statistics.
• 6 or more years of experience conducting empirical research using econometric, statistical, and/or computational methods.
• Proficiency in statistical software, such as R, Python, or MATLAB.
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to communicate complex quantitative findings to non-technical audiences.
• Excellent presentation skills, including the ability to give clear, concise, and persuasive presentations to senior government officials.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Prior research experience in defense economics or economics of the space industry.
• Expertise in causal inference, industrial organization models, network analysis, and/or supply chain modeling.
• Active TS/SCI 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)

$117,300.00 - $175,900.00

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 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.