Senior AI/ML R&D Portfolio Lead

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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

The Advanced Research and Engineering (AR&E) Sub-Division is seeking an innovative and proactive Senior AI/ML R&D Portfolio Lead (Principal Engineer-Data Science/Big Data Mining and Artificial Intelligence) to tackle some of the nation's most critical and complex challenges in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and next-generation ground architectures. This is a unique opportunity to help define the future of AI for a major Intelligence Community organization. As the strategic lead for Aerospace's AI/ML portfolio supporting the Deputy Chief AI Officer, you'll be at the epicenter of AI transformation within the IC and Aerospace, bridging cutting-edge research with operational impact.

By working directly with senior IC leadership, you will inform AI strategy, policy, and investment decisions that will impact national security for years to come. Additionally, you will demonstrate your technical depth by leading initiatives spanning:

•           AI-enabled Tasking, Collection, Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (TCPED) architectures

•           Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) frameworks for mission-critical AI systems

•           Responsible AI governance and ethical AI deployment at scale

•           Future-focused AI R&D roadmaps addressing emerging ISR challenges

You will serve as the principal technical advisor and thought leader to harness an AI-enable architecture to orchestrate and optimize TCPED, translating complex AI/ML concepts into strategic recommendations while simultaneously guiding hands-on R&D efforts that push the boundaries of what's possible in intelligence operations.  In addition, you will collaborate across Aerospace to leverage the power of the entirety of the corporate matrix to bring Aerospace value-added to the customer AI initiatives.

This position requires 100% on site work in Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing thought leadership to the Deputy Chief AI Officer of an Intelligence Community Customer to develop a strategic plan that integrates AI into all elements of the customer’s architecture
• Exhibiting leadership within a critical role focused on enterprise impact and cross-community collaboration across government customers and all of Aerospace
• Serving as a Corporate steward coordinating across Aerospace enterprise on a cohesive AI implementation strategy across customer organizations
• Serving as a mentor for integration of AI into the Aerospace workforce and developing the next generation technical workforce
• Leading Aerospace R&D support to a portfolio of projects to apply AI/ML expertise to support development of new capabilities for ISR architectures. 
• Leading a portfolio where Aerospace technical depth in the Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) can be leveraged to effectively address and influence key areas of interest such as AI-enabled TCPED, IV&V for mission critical AI systems, responsible AI governance and ethical deployment at scale, and implementation of state-of-the-art tools and algorithms for emerging ISR challenges  
• Leveraging Aerospace's technical backplane to synthesize state-of-the-art AI capabilities across the corporation, translating breakthrough research into actionable intelligence solutions.
• Engaging with stakeholders across the entire IC enterprise, fostering innovative partnerships and building consensus on transformative AI initiatives.
• Providing guidance for development and demonstration of new capabilities and architectures.
• Working directly with Government, other FFRDC, SETA staff, and other partners to design and implement ground-breaking roadmaps and strategy.
• Informing senior Aerospace leadership on AI strategy

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Principal Engineer/Big Data Mining and Artificial Intelligence:

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a relevant engineering, mathematics, or science field
• A minimum of 13 years engineering experience.
• Experience with AI based applications to ISR and ground architectures
• Familiarity with ISR and ground architectures
• Extensive knowledge of the external landscape with respect to AI/ML
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Strong personal initiative.
• Ability to work closely with government management.
• Willing to travel domestically and internationally approx. 10%
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, 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:

• An advanced degree in engineering, computer science or related applicable technical field.
• Experience validating and deploying AI into IC ground enterprise
• Experience with AI assurance for space and ground systems
• Experience leading and completing projects within a matrixed organization.
• Involvement with research and development organizations.
• Prior experience working directly with Senior Government leadership

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)

$203,800.00 - $305,600.00

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.