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 partnering 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, cybersecurity, 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 exciting new ways to make real‑world impact. Work Model This is a full‑time position based in Chantilly, VA 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 responsibilities 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 patterns 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 environments, and the adoption of corporate data and AI / ML technologies. Create scalable processes for end‑user engagement and product adoption, ensuring successful transition of software tools to the right users across Aerospace. Establish new business mechanisms and cross‑program processes that improve information 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. Provenability 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 mentoring and growing 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 non‑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 building 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 Programs (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. (Min - Max) $149,000 - $340,000 Pay Basis : Annual Leadership Competencies 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr