The Aerospace Corporation · 10 hours ago
Research and Development Senior Project Leader
Chantilly, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$156K/yr - $234K/yr
12+ years expThe Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. They are seeking a Research and Development Senior Project Leader to lead laboratory investigations and technical assessments for next-generation space technologies in support of national security. The role involves mentoring team members and interfacing with government officials in a fast-paced environment.
AerospaceGovernmentInnovation ManagementMilitary
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Conceiving and leading laboratory investigations, modeling and simulation, and technical assessment activities across the customer portfolio
Leveraging Aerospace experts across the corporation to scope, direct, and integrate technical analysis in support of research and development of advanced technologies for overhead intelligence collection and processing
Leading efforts to evaluate the impact of new concepts, technologies, and CONOPs on the national security space architecture
Distilling varied inputs into rigorous technical analyses to inform government decisions on future technology and demonstration system investments
Acting as a senior mentor to other team members
Interfacing daily with mid- and senior-level government officials, SETA, and contractor personnel as part of a small team in a fast-paced environment
Occasional travel, up to 10% of the time
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical field
12 or more years of relevant experience after bachelor's degree
Experience in research and development of new technologies for space systems, such as microelectronics, optical sensors, or RF systems
Extensive experience in technical project management, scoping projects and leveraging inter-disciplinary teams
This position requires a current and active TS/SBI/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the U.S. government
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
Preferred
Advanced degree in science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical field
Direct experience with government or commercial space systems
Experience in space-relevant technology areas such as: Microelectronics design, fabrication, assembly, or testing
Radio frequency (RF) components, architectures, and signal processing, and advanced techniques including photonics
Optical remote sensing technologies
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
Company
The Aerospace Corporation
As the government’s preeminent space innovation partner, Aerospace brings technical expertise to advance the nation's missions in space.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Tanya Pemberton
President & CEO
Ashley Kowalski
Project Leader - International Partnerships
Recent News
Washington Technology
2026-01-12
2025-12-27
2025-12-21
Company data provided by crunchbase