Principal Director, ISCD Software Mission Solutions Subdivision

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 Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) is a unique engineering division partner ing across the full space enterprise to advance next-generation digital solutions and software-enabled mission capabilities . With customers spanning the DoD, Intelligence Community (IC), civil and commercial space , ISCD blends expertise in software architecture, AI/ML systems, data fabric/architecture, advanced cloud and edge platforms, cyber security, and full-stack engineering through mission-focused, collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams . These collaborative teams leverage hands-on prototyping and applied R&D to support customer concepts, software architecture and development, and integration of the latest digital technology solutions . By bringing multi-disciplinary technical insight to critical space missions, ISCD is positioned at the forefront of innovative software and technology for excited new ways to make real-world impact.

We are seeking an innovative and energetic Principal Director to lead the Software Mission Solutions Subdivision - a nationally- distributed matrix of software engineers responsible across the full software stack for building, integrating, and supporting the deploy ment/acquisition of high-impact solutions Aerospace's space customer base . This leader will architect a new organizational structure and operating model for rapid "team of teams" assembly, ensuring fast delivery of modern software solutions that span front-end, back-end, cloud, DevOps/ DevSecOps , AI/ML, and mission-specific integration needs . This unique role requires exceptional technical depth, operational leadership and the ability to work closely with customers to lead advanced software teams to provide consistent high-performance delivery.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, V A or El Segundo, CA which requires 100% onsite work.

What You'll Be Doing

This innovative and creative leader will be responsible for one of the company's most critical matrix functions - software engineering and solution development . This leader will drive this organization at the forefront of technology and across our critical Aerospace missions through strategic leadership , workforce shaping, and talent management . They will be responsible to integrate a large span of customer support models ranging from software acquisition support, government / commercial contractor software architecture and deployment, software prototyping, modeling and simulation tool and platform development, and internal enterprise tool development , while bringing a passion and excitement for mission impact .

Key r esponsibilities will include:

• Lead and integrate a multi-site matrix of software teams, building the workforce plan for the right mix of software mission assurance, rapid development, DevOps/ DevSecOps , prototyping, and acquisition support aligned to customer needs across DoD, IC, and civil space .

• Work directly with customers and Aerospace Program Office staff to create scalable team deployment, working closely with the ISCD Software Integration Office to build repeatable patters for assembling and delivering high-end software engineering workforce .

• Develop, recruit, and mentor a high-end software engineering workforce, ensuring deep expertise in modern languages and processes, distributed systems, secure pipelines, classified development practices, DevOps delivery, DevSecOps toolchains, and emerging technology domains needed by national security customers .

• Grow our culture of advanced learning , innovation, and continuous up-skilling for a modern software organization , building training pathways that keep staff at the technical cutting edge .

• Connect technology's bleeding edge to unique customer solutions for innovative architectures, prototypes, and new processes enabling government rapid adoption of the latest advanced capabilities .

• Drive modernization of legacy mission assurance and acquisition support models, improving insights into architecture development, verification and test frameworks, and collaborative evaluation processes to speed the overall software acquisition timelines .

• Partner with Aerospace's CTO and CIO office initiatives to advance internal M&S solutions, shared software development platforms, cloud/edge environment s, and the adoption of corporate data and AI /ML technologies .

• Create scalable processes for end-user engagement and product adoption, ensur ing successful transition of software tools to the right users across Aerospace .

• Establish new business mechanisms and cross-program processes that improve i nformation flow, business rhythms , team deployment strategies , and consistent product development /execution across the portfolio .

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Principal Director, Software Integration Subdivision:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information science , electrical engineering, computer /cyber engineering, or related STEM field .

• 12 or more years of experience of proven executive leadership managing large, distributed software engineering organizations across multiple sites .

• Deep experience building and operating matrixed engineering organizations, including dynamic staffing, load balancing, and rapid team assembly .

• Strong technical foundation in modern full-stack deployment, including backend architectures, cloud-native systems, APIs/microservices, and orchestration . Extensive experience with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, containerization, secure deployment, and government cloud infrastructure .

• Proven ability to deliver software-first mission capabilities and advice senior government stakeholders from DoD, IC, civil space customers, including prototypes, operational software, and mission applications .

• Demonstrated success in mentor ing and grow ing engineering talent at scale in a fast-paced, AI /ML -dominated environment to cultivate an inclusive, collaborative, and high performing culture .

• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and no n- technical audiences, including experience presenting to executive leadership, customers, or cross functional stakeholders.

• Track record of driving innovation and challenging legacy conventions in technical and organizational systems to enhance performance or outcomes .
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site domestically approx. 10-20%.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (TS/SCI level and higher), 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:

• Direct experience standing up new matrix organizations and leading organizational change in a fast-paced environment .

• Direct experience as a Program Office Lead and/or Product Manager delivering software solutions for government defense applications, including direct collaboration with modern commercial software companies .

• Domain experience in the areas of space control, space domain awareness, missile warning/tracking, commercial space data exploitation, or other space applications .

• History of accelerating early prototypes into fielded capabilities, especially in secure government systems , adoption cycles, ATO processes, and vendor integrations .

• Direct experience build ing connective tissue and cultures across distributed teams , creating a coherent mission identity and unifying teams from Chantilly, Colorado Springs, El Segundo, and other distributed sites .

• Worked in Special Access Program s (SAP) with corresponding security clearances .

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)
$149,000 - $340,000

Pay Basis: Annual

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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .