Space Missions 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.

Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors.

The Civil Systems NASA Programs Division (NPD) Space Missions Directorate (SMD) oversees the success of multi-agency operational satellite programs for which NASA leads mission system development and integration. The directorate supports a broad portfolio of missions, including Landsat, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Observations, Space Weather Observations (SWO), and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) Observations, that rely on seamlessly integrated systems. These systems combine spacecraft buses, instrument suites, ground stations, and command, control, and data processing networks, all managed by a global team of engineers and operations staff.

Success in these complex programs depends on a disciplined, systems-engineering approach that carefully coordinates development, procurement, systems integration, operational readiness, and the transition to full operation.

Complementing this technical mission, the team supports the delivery of cutting-edge economic analyses that validate these programs’ value to the American taxpayer. For these missions to obtain funding, they rely on studies that demonstrate fiscal and societal benefits. By employing robust quantitative methods and comprehensive cost-benefit analyses, the team evaluates the impacts of satellite systems and supports strategic funding decisions. We are looking for a
** Space Missions Economist (Member of Technical Staff
- Economic & Market Analysis).
** In this role, you will conduct critical economic studies using data-driven models essential for shaping next-generation satellite systems and infrastructure investments.
** The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Greenbelt, MD.
**** What You’ll Be Doing
*** Lead economic appraisals for a variety of space missions by integrating quantitative models with technical and stakeholder data.
* Conduct and co-author comprehensive cost-benefit economic assessments.
* Collaborate with cross-disciplinary team, including engineers, scientists, and policy experts, to translate technical satellite performance data into measurable economic outcomes.
* Develop, implement, and refine data-driven forecasting models and valuation frameworks consistent with federal guidelines (e.g., OMB methodologies).
* Prepare detailed written and visual reports and deliver presentations to senior leadership and multi-agency teams in support of federal investment decisions.
* Ensure that all economic analyses align with both programmatic objectives and best economic practices.
** What You Need to be Successful - Member of Technical Staff
- Economic & Market Analysis
**
* Minimum Requirements:

** Bachelor’s degree in Economics (preferred from an accredited institution) with a minor or complementary coursework in Mathematics, Statistics, or related fields.
* A minimum of 1 year of progressively responsible professional experience in economic assessment, with proven expertise in cost–benefit and economic impact analyses related to satellite programs.
*…