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 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.

• 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.

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 obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government.
• U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• transcripts required

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

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) $ - $

Pay Basis:
Annual

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• P…