Sr. Data Architect

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

21h•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 looking for a Senior Data Architect to lead the design and implementation of an AI-ready data platform that operates across distributed, multi-domain environments. This role will define and deliver scalable architectures that enable data federation, interoperability, and advanced analytics/AI capabilities across mission systems. It involves direct interaction with our government stakeholders and mission sponsors, translating their needs and requirements into the delivery of data products. The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on, with deep experience in data architecture solutions (e.g., data mesh, data fabric, etc.), and a proven ability to drive enterprise-level transformation. They will be responsible for driving programs from concept through architecture, delivery, and operational adoption. This includes taking ownership of outcomes related to architecture, execution, risk management, and delivery, all within a national security and mission-critical context.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in data architecture, distributed systems, or data platforms
Proven experience designing enterprise-scale data platforms
Deep expertise in distributed data architectures, Data mesh and/or data fabric
Hands on experience using data federation and virtualization technologies
Strong experience with data pipelines (batch + streaming), Event-driven architectures (e.g., Kafka, Pulsar, Kinesis) and Data modeling and schema design (Avro, Protobuf, JSON)
Experience enabling AI/ML platforms, including data pipelines for training and inference
Strong understanding of data governance, lineage, cataloging, data quality and observability frameworks
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

Demonstrated experience with U.S. DoD, space, and intelligence programs.
Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP, or GovCloud equivalents)
Familiarity with OPIR, SDA tracking missions, missile defense, and kill-chain acceleration is highly desirable.
Knowledge of agentic AI, autonomous systems, and large-scale simulation (Mod & Sim).
Active security clearance

Responsibilities

Define and lead the architecture for an AI-ready data platform supporting real-time, batch, and streaming workloads
Design distributed data architectures across cloud, on-prem, and edge environments
Establish multi-domain data federation strategies enabling unified access without unnecessary data movement
Develop data mesh or data fabric frameworks including domain ownership, interoperability, and governance
Ensure data readiness for AI (quality, lineage, metadata, labeling, governance)
Design and implement data services layer (APIs, event streaming, data contracts, schema management)
Enable interoperability across heterogeneous systems (legacy + modern platforms)
Implement data governance frameworks including catalog, lineage, and policy enforcement
Partner with engineering, AI/ML, cloud, and mission stakeholders to drive adoption
Provide technical leadership and mentorship across teams
Influence enterprise roadmaps and investment priorities

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