Digital Transformation and Data Integration Section Manager

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

5d•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 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 platforms and architecture, advanced cloud and edge infrastructure, cybersecurity, and full-stack engineering through mission-focused, collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams. These teams leverage hands-on prototyping and applied R&D to support customer concepts, digital architectures, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies into real-world mission environments. The Data Platforms and Architectures Department (DPAD) within the ISCD organization is seeking an entry level manager who is highly-technical and mission-driven for the Digital Transformation & Data Integration team, responsible for modernizing legacy data platforms and enabling secure, scalable data integration across systems. This role is a front-line technical leadership position that combines people management, technical guidance, and delivery execution. This position plays a critical role in enabling data-driven operations, and digital transformation across the enterprise. The Manager will directly influence the organization’s ability to integrate data across domains, accelerate innovation, and deliver mission advantage. This is a full-time position 100% onsite based in El Segundo, Ca

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related STEM/ technical field
8+ years of experience in data engineering, distributed systems, or platform architecture
2+ years of technical leadership or people management experience
Demonstrated experience
Proven ability designing large-scale distributed data systems
Experience with real-time data processing and event-driven systems
Demonstrated communication skills with both technical and executive audiences
Candidates should have familiarity with many of the following: Distributed Messaging Tools (Apache Airflow, Apache Kafka, Pulsar, Kinesis, etc.)
Data virtualization (Presto)
Database solutions (SQL (PostgreSQL) and NoSQL databases (Cassandra, DynamoDB, MongoDB)
Data Management and Governance (Apache Atlas, OpenMetadata)
Security and access control frameworks (Keycloak)
Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site if required.
This position requires the 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.

Nice To Haves

Experience in defense, aerospace, intelligence, or mission-critical systems
Knowledge of AI/ML data pipelines and model operations
Experience with data mesh or data fabric architectures
Background in high-performance computing or edge computing environments
Active security clearance (if applicable)

Responsibilities

Provide technical direction for the modernization of data platforms
Collaborate with data and software architects, program managers, and external partners
Communicate status, risks, and accomplishments to leadership
Lead development of data integration pipelines and services
Enable interoperability across heterogeneous systems and data sources
Promote standardized interfaces, schemas, and governance practices
Support real-time and batch data exchange capabilities
Promote adoption of modern data engineering practices and tools
Drive transition from legacy systems to modern data architectures
Introduce automation, DevOps, and DataOps practices
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and mission outcomes
Manage and grow a team of data architects, engineers, and platform specialists (~6–10 staff)
Set technical direction, priorities, and performance expectations
Mentor staff to build deep expertise in distributed systems and modern data platforms
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and engineering excellence
Support workforce development and strategic hiring
Partner with program leadership, customers, and enterprise stakeholders
Translate mission needs into technical roadmaps and deliverables
Support proposal development, technical reviews, and executive briefings
Coordinate across software, AI/ML, cyber, cloud, and domain engineering teams

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