Economist

2027 Economist# Welcome!## 2027 Economist Apply:
Chantilly, VA:
Full time:
Posted Today:
R017097

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 Description
** The Economic and Market Analysis Center (EMAC) at the Aerospace Corporation is looking to hire an early-career Ph.D. research economist with a strong empirical background in applied microeconomics and/or industrial organization.

EMAC conducts economic research for civil and national security space communities. We are a group of applied economists and financial analysts working closely with U.S. government officials on empirical questions related to the future of the space sector. As space becomes increasingly commercialized, our research helps government agencies understand market dynamics, design regulatory frameworks, assess supply chain vulnerabilities, and develop plans for strengthening the space industrial base.

As part of the EMAC team, you will conduct applied research on economic issues related to the space sector, including building econometric models and developing sector-specific expertise. Our work spans many applied economic disciplines, including industrial organization, labor, policy evaluation, network analysis, forecasting, and trade. A broad range of research interests and methods is a plus, but we do not expect candidates to have expertise in all of these.

Prior knowledge of the commercial space sector is also a plus but not required.

The Aerospace Corporation is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) providing technical expertise and analysis to the U.S. space enterprise. As a non-profit, our foremost commitment is to objective and rigorous analysis that makes U.S. space programs effective.

As part of the application, candidates will need to submit a cover letter, a CV, letters of reference, and their job market paper. The deadline for the applications is November 27, 2026, and we expect to schedule virtual interviews with candidates starting around mid-December.
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* Work Location:

** This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, 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, supply chains, and government policies.
* 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:

* Recent or anticipated 2027 Ph.D. in economics or a closely related field, with a demonstrated ability to conduct independent empirical research. (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
* 0-1 year of industry experience
* Proficiency in statistical software, such as R, Python, STATA, 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 ability to…