Space Subject Matter Expert (Curriculum) — Remote ​/ 1099 — Contingent

Remote (up to 30% travel; within 150 mi of Huntsville, AL preferred) 1099 Contract (Contingent upon award)

The Space Subject Matter Expert (Curriculum) will serve as a full-time remote specialist, supporting curriculum and training initiatives in space-related domains. This role involves developing and reviewing course content, lessons, and training materials to ensure technical accuracy, alignment with learning objectives, and relevance to current space operations and standards. The individual will collaborate with instructional designers, educators, and project managers to structure learning pathways, define competencies, and integrate subject matter expertise into instructional products.

Day-to-day responsibilities include conducting research, validating space domain concepts, drafting and refining written materials, and participating in stakeholder meetings to support continuous improvement of training programs. The role may also include supporting assessments, providing guidance on learning outcomes, and contributing to documentation for compliance and quality assurance.

• Author and develop original instructional content for assigned space-domain lessons (the strategic space environment, orbital regimes, the congested and contested domain, space policy and history, the global space ecosystem, and allied/commercial partnerships)
• Serve as the definitive space expert on the team — validate the accuracy and relevancy of course scope, learning outcomes, scenarios, and instructional media
• Collaborate with the instructional design lead to translate complex space concepts into pedagogically sound, engaging modules for a non-technical adult audience
• Support course pilots and iterate content based on learner feedback; facilitate select in-person sessions

• Master's degree or Ph.D in Space Studies, Space Policy, Space Ecosystems, or a related field; OR eight (8) years of relevant experience in space-domain areas
• Demonstrated expertise across topics such as the global space ecosystem, space sustainability (debris mitigation, space traffic management), national and international space programs, space economies and commercialization, space history, and orbital regimes/assets
• Strong curriculum development and education skills, with experience designing or supporting structured learning programs
• Instructional design skills, including the ability to apply adult learning principles and align content with measurable objectives
• Writing and research skills to create clear, accurate, and evidence-based space-related training materials
• Relevant experience or education in space operations, aerospace, engineering, or a closely related field
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a project-oriented environment
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail capabilities, with a focus on quality and compliance in training deliverables
• U.S. citizen; eligible for a favorable Tier 1 (NACI) background investigation; CAC-eligible
• Willing to travel up to 30% for filming and team collaboration, or reside within 150 miles of Huntsville, AL

• Familiarity with government or defense training environments and security or regulatory considerations in space-related programs
• PMP — not required

1099 independent contractor compensation: $90–$120 per hour, commensurate with experience

Approximately 9-month engagement, anticipated to begin in the second half of 2026

Remote work with defined travel requirements

Clear subcontractor agreement and NDA process prior to work start

Octagon Compliance Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.