Associate Principal Director, Software Mission Solutions Subdivision (SMSS)

The Aerospace Corporation•Chantilly, VA

4d•$208,000 - $312,000•Onsite

About The Position

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 digital infrastructure, 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

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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
Demonstrates enterprise-level perspective with prior Program Office(s) and ETG experience

Responsibilities

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

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