2027 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.

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.

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 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

How You Can Stand Out

• 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.

We offer a competitive compensation package

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) $125,000.00 - $140,000.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

Leadership Competencies

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who: Operate Strategically Lead Change Engage with Impact Foster Innovation Deliver Results Ways We Reward Our Employees During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at or by email at . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

Right Place

The Aerospace Corporation has over 26 locations nationwide, which allows us to build a workforce that will nurture the best ideas, and generate the most novel innovations and solutions to our nation’s toughest space enterprise challenges.

Right Path

Aerospace covers all stages of the space lifecycle, from concept to operations. We believe our people are our most valuable resource and that’s why we propel our employees forward in their careers through ongoing education, training, and professional development.

Right Purpose

We can all serve a mission much greater than ourselves, and at Aerospace that is exactly what we do. By hiring the industry’s most preeminent scientists and engineers, Aerospace advances emerging technologies that protect some of the most critical missions on Earth and above it.

Aerospace employees working in organizations with technical responsibilities are required to obtain a Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for those positions.