Systems Director - Objective Force Planning and Integration

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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis‑based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation.

As part of the Space Enterprise and Warfighting Division, the Space Futures Integration Directorate provides technical advice, thought leadership, and systems engineering support to Space Force S9, Force Design and Analysis. This new Space Force Headquarters organization is responsible for driving the future of the Space Force through horizon scanning and foresighting, concept development, technology assessments, wargaming, experimentation, and force design and integration.

We are seeking a Systems Director for Objective Force Planning and Integration to help lead our growing Aerospace team. We are at the leading edge of a new Space Force organization; this Systems Director should have vision, an entrepreneurial mindset, and be comfortable with ambiguity and change. You will work collaboratively with the Principal Director to build the backbone of S9 activities connecting strategic vision to executable future force design.

The selected candidate will be required to work full‑time, on‑site at our facility in Crystal City, VA.

Build and lead a team of Aerospace personnel shaping how the Space Force builds its future force. Interface directly with military and civilian Space Force leaders in Crystal City and the Pentagon, translating technical insights into actionable recommendations. Identify new opportunities for better connecting vision to architectural design and non‑materiel solutions with engineering rigor. Define our role in far‑future (15+ year) Space Force ideation and planning.

Support adoption and refinement of new integration frameworks in a digital environment. Cultivate and maintain interagency relationships with government, FFRDC, SETA, and industry partners to ensure cohesive communication channels. Provide timely, strategic communications to senior leaders on integration issues, potential risks, and opportunities for process improvements. Function effectively in a fast‑paced environment tackling ambiguous problems with creativity and initiative. Lead cross‑functional teams and manage multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely and impactful integration of force designs.

• Systems Director
  - Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering:
  Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or a related technical field from an accredited institution.
• 12 or more years of…