Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies (Air and Space Forces Association)
Listed on Orbital Diplomat 3 Aug 2026
The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, an affiliate of the Air and Space Forces Association (AFA), is the only aerospace power-focused think tank in Washington, DC. Through its Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE), the Institute leads research on spacepower strategy, operational concepts, and technologies, informing the national security debate and shaping policy and budget outcomes across the US space enterprise. This Senior Resident Fellow position is one of the most senior spacepower research roles available in the Washington think tank ecosystem. The postholder will lead and manage MI-SPACE research initiatives — drafting reports, opinion pieces, and issue briefings on space and national security topics; publishing in relevant journals and policy media; engaging defence officials, Congress, and the broader policy and budget community; and representing the Institute at high-level events including workshops, tabletop exercises, and the Schriever Spacepower Series. The role also carries significant business development responsibility — building the Institute's profile, developing and maintaining professional networks across government, industry, and academia, and identifying funding opportunities to sustain and grow the MI-SPACE portfolio. This position suits a senior space security professional with deep roots in the US national security space community, ideally with Space Force or Air Force operational experience, who is ready to translate that expertise into influential policy-oriented research at the apex of Washington's spacepower debate.
Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in a related field preferred Minimum 10 years of experience in the national security community with a focus on spacepower strategy, operational concepts, tactics, and technologies Experience building and maintaining relationships at the highest levels of government, private industry, and relevant research and policy organisations Demonstrated ability to produce and publish written work in formats appropriate to the think tank and policy community Experience conveying strong leadership presence in highly hierarchical organisations including military and government Demonstrated knowledge of national defence, strategic deterrence, and military space issues Experience with budget planning and execution in a defence or government context Strong written and oral communication skills Space Force or Air Force veteran with relevant operational experience strongly preferred