Principal Director, Data and Software Operations

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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Digital Innovation Division (DID) is accountable for generating and executing integrated strategies, providing governance, and managing internal investments associated with four technical pillars that form the foundation of Aerospace's digital transformation.  As the Principal Director for Data and Software Operations, you will report directly to the General Manager, Digital Innovation Division where you will develop and lead the implementation of our corporate data strategy including the deployment of a robust data management platform (DMP) and maturation of Authoritative Sources of Truth (ASOT).  In partnership with stakeholders across the corporation you will oversee the continuous development of enterprise data, software, and knowledge management capabilities, aligning all efforts with Aerospace's strategic goals. As a visionary leader with deep expertise in data and software operations, you will provide the foundational elements of our digital transformation positioning the company to deliver the greatest value to our customers.

Work Model: Hybrid 4 or more days a week on site; Chantilly, VA, El Segundo, CA or, Colorado Springs, CO

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and operationalize data governance frameworks to ensure consistent, reliable, and secure data management across all platforms and networks.

• Establish and maintain best practices in software development and knowledge management, aligning them with organizational needs.

• Standardize the development, management, and operations of data and software to optimize lifecycle management, reduce costs, and maintain competitive advantage.

• Implement cutting-edge data management practices, software development tools, and Agile methodologies to enhance efficiency and innovation.

• Oversee the development of enterprise data, software, and knowledge management capabilities.

• Coordinate external engagements and ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels.

• Develop requirements for training and upskilling programs to enhance workforce capabilities in data and software management.

• Own the development of resilient and adaptable CI/CD pipelines to continuously enhance software development efforts.

• Ensure seamless integration of cloud technologies (Data-Ops and DevSecOps) to eliminate operational bottlenecks and enhance workflow agility.

• In partnership with engineering organizations, build and lead a highly skilled workforce in data management and DevSecOps.

• Develop and field a professional services team to support the organization’s data and software operations.

• Drive Aerospaces’s strategic mission by aligning software and data management efforts with the overall strategic goals of the organization.

• Ensure the deployment of a future-ready data ecosystem by maturing our Data Management Platform as the central hub for data management and governance.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, or a related technical discipline.

• 10 or more years relevant experience

• Proven experience in leading data governance, software development, and knowledge management initiatives in a complex, large-scale environment.

• Expertise in Agile methodologies, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud integration (Data-Ops and DevSecOps).

• Strong understanding of data management platforms (DMPs), ASOTs, and best practices in software development.

• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with a track record of building and empowering high-performing teams.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and engage with external stakeholders.

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities with a focus on innovation and operational excellence.

• 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. 

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• An advanced degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, or a related technical discipline.

• Experience in the aerospace or defense industry.

• Experience with the deployment and management of large-scale data management platforms.

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)

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.