Photographer, Casual

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 Photographer will be responsible for creating, producing, and executing photo content that supports the company’s capabilities, values and culture. The ideal candidate will have experience of capturing a wide range of imagery in and out of studio, with and without talent. This role requires a high degree of craft and technical expertise, along with creativity and a passion to deliver first-rate imagery.

This is a casual position based in Chantilly, Virginia, with a 100% onsite requirement. Commute to Crystal City, Virginia and other remote locations are also possible.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop and execute original photography in response to creative briefs and brand initiatives for emotional storytelling and enhanced audience engagement
• Capture employee stories and technical documentation for internal/external platforms, briefings, and trade publications
• Lead in-studio and on-location shoots, including set assembly, lighting design, and talent direction
• Create emotionally resonant visual content that engages target audiences across multiple channels
• Provide corporate portraits for organizational materials, conferences, and publications
• Manage post-production workflows, including batch editing, asset organization, and file management
• Availability to participate and potentially lead in-studio and on-location photo shoots, including assembling sets, styling props, and managing lighting with either continuous or strobes
• Maintain studio equipment, props, and sets (regularly lifting ~25lbs)
• Coordinate production logistics: scheduling, equipment maintenance, and project tracking
• Respond to time-sensitive photo requests in a deadline-driven environment
• Maintain proper image naming conventions, post-production workflows, including batch editing, organizing assets, and ensuring consistent file management practices, and perform daily backups of all photo shoots
• Research emerging production technologies and recommend equipment upgrades

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in photography or similar creative/design field
• Five to seven years of experience working as a Photographer, production, and editing
• Extensive experience with photo retouching
• A dynamic rich portfolio website that represents you and your work
• Excellent production skills with the ability to pull in the appropriate assets needed and work independently
• Collaborative with the ability to concept fresh ideas that remain on brand 
• Advanced knowledge of lifestyle and location photography
• Excellent communication skills and a teamwork mentality to collaborate with the internal stakeholders to showcase companies’ messaging while maintaining high receptivity to feedback.
• Ability to multitask effectively, organize workflows, remain flexible in dynamic situations, and follow established processes while providing suggestions for improvements to enhance workflow efficiency and productivity in tight deadlines
• Exceptional organizational skills
• Expert knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and Premier Pro
• Possess equipment and software proficiency including experience with Mac and PC platforms, familiarity with related equipment such as lighting rigs, microphones, gimbals, drones, and stabilizers
• Willingness to travel on occasion to support production needs
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Possess a current TS-SCI clearance
• Experience with DAM software
• Awareness of graphic design
• Knowledge of filming and editing videos
• Experience working as a Videographer, video production, editing and development

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  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)

Leadership Competencies

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.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• 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

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

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 310.336.5432 or by email at [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.