Associate Principal Director, Software Mission Solutions Subdivision (SMSS)

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 software and AI-enabled mission capabilities. With customers spanning the DoD Intelligence Community (IC) civil and commercial space ISCD blends expertise in modern software engineering AI/ML systems data platforms and architecture advanced cloud and edge infrastructure cybersecurity and full-stack development through mission-focused collaborative multi-disciplinary teams. These teams leverage agile software practices hands-on prototyping and applied R&D to support customer concepts digital architectures and the integration of cutting-edge technologies into mission environments. We are seeking an innovative and energetic leader to serve as both the Associate Principal Director for SMSS and the senior ISCD leader in the National Capital Region based in Chantilly VA. This role provides integrating leadership and strategic coordination across all ISCD subdivisions and programs in the region. The Associate Principal Director will work closely with ISCD leadership to advance the organization's mission as the corporation's focal point for AI-enabled capabilities modern digitalinfrastructure and integrating expertise across software engineering. This role offers unparalleled access across the space enterprise to identify high-impact mission challenges architect scalable software solutions advance next-generation digital foundations and guide the strategic application of AI technologies in support of national security civil and commercial space missions. Working across commercial industry government and academia this Associate Principal Director will help shape how emerging software technologies and AI capabilities are rapidly adopted by a growing and increasingly innovative aerospace customer base while building and strengthening ISCD's presence and impact in the Chantilly region. This is a fulltime position based in Chantilly Va which requires 100% insite work

What You’ll Be Doing

The Associate Principal Director of SMSS will serve as the senior ISCD leader in the Chantilly region focusing on operational integration team development and customer engagement across all ISCD subdivisions. This leader will be instrumental in expanding Aerospace's role with East Coast customers in national security space and building partnerships across the company and community to bring the latest software engineering practices AI technologies and digital capabilities to our customers and internal engineering staff.

Key Responsibilities

Will Include Serve as the senior ISCD leader in the Chantilly region coordinating operations facilities infrastructure hiring workforce development and strategic planning across all ISCD subdivisions Build and strengthen relationships with DoD Intelligence Community and other National Capital Region customers to expand ISCD's mission portfolio and impact Engage directly with customers to identify high-impact mission opportunities for modern software solutions and digital foundations Integrate prototype software capabilities into mission solutions ensuring alignment with customer needs and operational requirements and leveraging the latest digital technologies Develop and implement talent strategies that attract retain and grow top technical talent Collaborate as core team member with broader ISCD leadership to ensure consistent culture technical excellence and operational effectiveness across ISCD What You Need To Be Successful Minimum

Requirements

for Associate Principal Director Bachelor's degree in computer science data science electrical engineering computer engineering information systems or a related STEM field 10 or more years of experience with demonstrated impact leading multidisciplinary technical teams supporting complex government or national security missions Strong executive presence and strategic thinking with ability to influence across organizational boundaries and drive alignment on complex initiatives Proven ability to lead mentor and scale engineering teams practicing modern software development methodologies (CI/CD microservices cloud-native architectures) guide architectural decisions around contemporary frameworks and technology stacks and drive organizational strategy for integrating AI/ML capabilities into product roadmaps Strong customer-facing skills with experience partnering with government stakeholders to translate mission needs into scalable digital solutions Success building and leading integrated multidisciplinary teams with a focus on reuse scalability and mission impact Experience coordinating across multiple technical organizations and fostering collaborative cross-functional environments Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences and to effectively present to senior leadership Demonstrated ability to manage organizational change navigate ambiguity and drive strategic initiatives to completion Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites (approximately 10–20%) Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance (TS/SCI level and higher). U.S. citizenship is required How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of the following Experience establishing or growing technical organizations or operations in new geographic regions Track record of successful organizational transformation or culture change initiatives Experience building strategic partnerships with government agencies industry partners and academic institutions Experience delivering AI-enabled mission solutions in domains such as autonomous systems space domain awareness cyber detection predictive analytics digital engineering or physics-informed ML Experience managing software portfolios including evaluation of emerging technologies responsible AI practices and MLOps at scale Deep familiarity with secure and multi-level environments including cross-domain architectures and deployment across classification boundaries Exposure to space defense or intelligence mission areas such as space control missile warning remote sensing or commercial space data exploitation Experience managing research and development portfolios including transitioning research into operational systems or sustained mission use Established relationships with National Capital Region customers in DoD or Intelligence Community space programs Experience with workforce planning talent development programs and succession planning

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) $208000.00 - $312000.00 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.