Edward C. Aldridge, a McDonnell Douglas executive,...

Edward C. Aldridge, a McDonnell Douglas executive, was named president and chief executive of Aerospace Corp., the El Segundo-based nonprofit research center that provides engineering support to the Air Force’s space program.

Aldridge, a former Air Force secretary, will move into his new job in March, succeeding Samuel Tennant, 63, who is retiring after a 30-year career at Aerospace. Although not widely known to the public, the firm is considered within its industry as one of the deepest pools of technical talent in the defense community.

Industry sources said Aldridge is considered a strong choice to lead Aerospace at a time when the firm and other federal research centers like it are under increasing budgetary pressure. Aldridge, an aeronautical engineer by education, brings not only a strong technical background to his new job but also an extensive knowledge of the federal funding process through his years in Washington, the sources said.

Aldridge, 53, became president of the McDonnell Douglas Electronic Systems Co. in McLean, Va., after serving as Air Force secretary during the Reagan Administration. He also serves as a special assistant on McDonnell’s C-17 cargo jet program.