Director, Data & AI Services
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Director of Data and AI Services within its Office of the CIO. This newly created leadership role reports directly to the Chief Data and Privacy Officer and is responsible for driving the strategy, delivery, and operational excellence of enterprise data and AI services. The team provides modeling, machine learning, and predictive analytics capabilities to support enterprise services operations and strategic decision-making. The Director will build and scale the Data and AI Services function from the ground up, working across Enterprise Service Operations—including IT, HR, Finance, Legal, and Security—to modernize processes, improve efficiency, and support decision-making. This is a hands-on leadership role combining strategic direction with technical delivery, architecture decisions, team coaching, and day-to-day problem-solving. The position requires occasional domestic travel to work locations or customer sites, approximately 10–20%, and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain clearance.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related STEM field.
- At least 12 years of experience in data engineering, data science, AI/ML, or enterprise technology leadership.
- At least 5 years in a people management or team leadership role.
- Demonstrated experience building, scaling, or transforming data and/or AI functions within a complex enterprise environment.
- Hands-on technical experience with modern data platforms, AI/ML technologies, and enterprise data architecture, with the ability to participate directly in technical discussions and decisions.
- Track record of leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders across multiple business functions.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills, including the ability to translate technical concepts into business value for executive audiences.
- Willingness to travel occasionally to domestic work locations or customer sites, approximately 10–20%.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Experience establishing or standing up a new data and/or AI function within a large organization.
- Experience in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated government environments.
- Familiarity with data privacy, data governance, and compliance frameworks such as CUI, ITAR, and export control.
- Experience partnering with executives to prioritize data and AI solution development in a consultative manner.
Responsibilities
- Build and grow a new Data and AI Services function while remaining engaged in technical delivery, architecture decisions, and problem-solving.
- Partner with the Chief Data and Privacy Officer to define and execute enterprise data and AI strategy in alignment with organizational priorities and compliance requirements.
- Collaborate with Enterprise Service Operations functions to identify opportunities for data and AI to modernize processes, improve efficiency, and enhance decision-making.
- Lead the design, delivery, and operational management of enterprise data and AI services, including data platforms, analytics capabilities, and AI/ML-enabled solutions.
- Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of data engineers, data scientists, and AI practitioners.
- Establish governance frameworks, service standards, and operational metrics to support reliable, secure, and scalable data and AI services.
- Communicate the value and progress of data and AI modernization efforts to senior leadership and organizational stakeholders as a trusted advisor and change agent.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
- Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
- Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
- 401(k) plan with company-paid contributions of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire.
- Flexible spending accounts.
- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
- Relocation assistance.
- Professional growth and development programs.
- Education assistance programs.
- Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
