Principal Director, Mission Information Technology

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 Mission IT, you will report directly to the General Manager, Digital Innovation Division. You will be accountable for leading a team that sets strategies, defines investments, and organizes resources to develop IT architectures that enable Aerospace’s direct support to its mission partners, including national security space, civil and commercial agencies, and other customers. You will leverage the enterprise IT team as a service provider to implement and support these architectures. This digital ecosystem will focus on satisfying technical and engineering needs of the Aerospace staff using on-premises and cloud-based services, high-performance technical computing, classified networks and enclaves, and commercial-off-the-shelf engineering software.

Work Model: 100% onsite or hybrid (4 days onsite) in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA  

What You’ll Be Doing

  • You will provide an organize, train, and equip function for the corporation to address current and emerging Mission IT needs across multiple classification networks and enclaves.

  • You will work across stakeholder and customer groups to develop and implement a corporate Mission IT strategy and roadmap.

  • You will develop, set priorities, and execute implementation plans in partnership with our enterprise services organizations, leveraging their operational capabilities as a service provider, establishing and enforcing service-level agreements.

  • You will develop, manage, and be accountable for a multi-year, multi-million-dollar portfolio that spans labor, operations expenses, capital expenses, and direct customer investments.

  • You will establish and execute a governance model for that will develop and manage Mission IT requirements spanning multiple internal and external customers and organizations.

  • You will facilitate user adoption by reducing the barrier to entry for tenants spanning a wide range of proficiencies from expert to novice.

  • You will identify and execute opportunities to optimize costs through strategies such as technology consolidation.

  • You will build a team of Mission IT practitioners that include both direct reports and matrix support.

What You Need to be Successful Principal Director

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in STEM or other technical discipline.

  • Typically, 12 or more years’ experience.

  • Experience and knowledge with cloud-based platforms and services (on premises, off premises, hybrid).

  • Experience and knowledge with classified networks and enclaves.

  • Experience and knowledge with high-performance technical computing.

  • Demonstrated experience leading by influence and through ambiguity to adjudicate competing priorities.

  • Position requires a current TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US 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:

  • Masters in information technology, computer science, computer engineering, systems engineering, or a related discipline.

  • Relevant certifications in technical disciplines (e.g., computing and cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity) or project management disciplines (e.g., PMP, agile product owner or Scrum master).

  • Experience working in a regulated environment with respect to cybersecurity, particularly standards such as NIST SP 800-171 and NIST SP 800-53.

  • Knowledge of commercial-off-the-shelf engineering analysis tools and applications, vendors, and licensing models.

  • Current DoD TS and SSBI/SCI clearance.

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)

$240,000 - $280,000

Pay Basis: Annual

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

Organisation: 
The Aerospace Corporation