Director, Technical Portfolio 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.

Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our Intelligence Community, DoD,  and civilian customers.

The Software Integration Office (SIO) is a new organization within ISCD chartered to transform the way we work by identifying, shaping and executing high impact work of for our government customers across the space industry. SIO works shoulder-to-shoulder with customers to identify and shape work portfolios, delivers solutions by integrating ISCD capabilities with technical expertise across the full range of space systems disciplines at Aerospace, and manages the ISCD technical investment portfolio to ensure our strategy, investment and talent align with future technical needs.  We are looking for a Portfolio Director (Department Director – Engineering Program Management) to act as the execution lead across the SIO work portfolio, managing integrated technical teams to deliver solutions and leading the execution of our customer-facing strategy and technical investment plans. This is a rare opportunity to be part of the stand-up of a brand-new organization and influence how it operates, its organizational strategy and best practices.

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Own end-to-end accountability for a portfolio of five to ten high-priority projects with diverse technical deliverables, ensuring on-time, on-budget execution against committed milestones

• Establish and continuously improve portfolio management practices, including reporting cadences, status reviews, and stakeholder communications
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Technical Project Managers (TPMs), creating opportunities for early- and mid-career high performers to step into leadership while supporting your most senior TPMs in continued growth
• Participate in SIO customer engagement and strategy sessions; lead the development of SIO work products, e.g., customer portfolio analyses, ISCD capabilities offerings, etc. that support SIO strategy
• Participate in SIO tech investment strategy and planning sessions; lead portfolio execution from request-for-proposal (RFP) to mid-year review to project close-out
• Participate in shaping broader SIO strategy, organizational structure and business processes as the organization matures

What You Need to be Successful – [Department Director – Engineering Program Management]

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in computer science, engineering or other STEM discipline
• Twelve or more years of experience in delivering full-stack solutions, including at least five years leading teams
• Demonstrated experience managing complex technical projects with diverse deliverables (software, systems architecture, technical analysis, etc.)
• Proven track record developing and mentoring project managers or technical leads
• Hands on experience with both software development lifecycles and systems engineering deliverables

• Demonstrated success working across technical and programmatic topics with a strategic mindset 

• Experience operating in a matrixed environment and influencing without direct authority
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to engage senior executives and technical staff alike
• Willing to travel domestically to customer sites approximately 10% as required
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. 

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Experience in leading complex, cross-disciplinary programs that encompass data platforms, AI/ML systems, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and mission software
• Experience with 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.
• Experience standing up a new function, team, or organizational capability from scratch
• Background in space systems, national security space, or aerospace and defense
• Formal project management or portfolio management credentials (PMP, PgMP, SAFe, or similar)
• History of recruiting, developing, and promoting technical leaders into bigger roles
• Active TS/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)

$168,200.00 - $252,400.00

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 various 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 employer. 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.