Software Security & Architecture Engineer

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.

Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers.

The Software Tools & Assurance Department couples the latest in software technologies - such as cloud, containerization, microservices, and visualization frameworks - with expertise in digital engineering, software architecture, software engineering, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our IC, DoD, and civilian customers.

We are seeking a visionary technical leader to be the driving force behind modernizing how we, and our customers, secure software supply chains.

Work Model

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

What You'll Be Doing

• Providing software systems engineering skills to space, ground, and launch systems in the national security, civil, and commercial domains.
• Leveraging a wide range of technical skills to solve complex problems in various software systems domains such as software development; software architectures; software supply chain security; developing technical roadmaps and architectural on-ramps; cloud and virtualization deployments; and microservices and API development.
• Build a team of subject matter experts, architect enterprise-scale SBOM tooling integrations, and be the force of change in how software security is factored into acquisition and compliance.
• Serve as the technical authority for end-to-end software supply chain integrity, transitioning from manual security 'checklists' to automated, evidence-based assurance using SBOMs and attestation frameworks.
• Champion software modernization efforts by ensuring secure deployment of applications into containerized and cloud environments.
• Leading rigorous technical trade studies and prototyping efforts to evaluate emerging cloud-native technologies, ensuring architectural alignment with long-term mission requirements.
• Translate high-level customer mission objectives into actionable technical milestones, ensuring that software integration and deployment strategies scale with evolving program requirements
• Identifying exciting opportunities for adopting new technologies to solve existing needs and predict future challenges.
• Driving positive change by introducing new perspectives, challenging established practices, and fostering a culture of innovation within the team.
• Collaborating with teams across the corporation to develop cross-domain space solutions.
• Operate strategically through engaging with customers in leveraging the latest technology that provides innovative solutions to their challenging problems in the space arena.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, or related technical field.
• 6 years of experience with increasing responsibility in Software Architecture or Software Engineering.
• Proven ability to execute task prioritization, and time management skills.
• Extensive experience in software engineering, containerization and deployment of mission applications, and understanding of software supply chain security concepts.
• Strong background in driving software modernization, transitioning legacy systems to microservices, and implementing modern software development methodologies and practices.
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/ domestically/internationally if required.
• 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:

• Advanced degree in STEM or related field.

• Deep understanding of software supply chain security concepts, SBOM standards (e.g., SPDX, CycloneDX), and Vulnerability Exploitability eXchange (VEX).
• Proven experience navigating and accelerating RMF and ATO processes. Familiarity with NIST guidelines and government acquisition lifecycles.
• Proven experience deploying and securing applications in cloud environments and deep familiarity with containerization and orchestration technologies.
• Proven experience conducing 'Build vs. Buy' analyses for enterprise-scale software tooling, with a focus on long-term sustainability, vendor lock-in mitigation, and total cost of ownership.
• Hands-on experience integrating FOSS/COTS security and repository tools (e.g., Dependency-Track, Syft, Grype, Sonatype, DefectDojo) into enterprise architectures.
• Strong track record of building technical teams from the ground up. Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate highly technical concepts into business value for customers and program managers.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

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)
$129,000.00 - $193,500.00

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 .