Senior Technical Lead - Space Data Systems

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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems. 

The Space Combat Readiness Infrastructure (SCRI) organization is responsible for integrated system-of-systems’ architecture that enables USSF Guardians to test, train, and develop tactics in an operationally relevant environment to achieve & sustain full-spectrum readiness.  We are the organization enabling the transition of systems under test to operational fielding of warfighting capabilities to USSF Guardians. We are looking for a Senior Technical Lead - Space Data Systems who will serve as a senior technical advisor and hands-on leader shaping both near-term integration efforts and long-term strategic direction for critical Space Force data systems operating across multiple classification levels. This position offers a unique opportunity to directly influence Space Force thinking, architectures, future acquisition strategies, and mission-critical data systems supporting space warfighting capabilities.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at a government facility in Colorado Springs, CO.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Providing Aerospace support to the Unified Data Library (UDL) program and the Infrastructure PAE. This a key position with the potential to shape Space Force thinking and future military activities in the management of Space Data

• Lead classified data integration efforts across multiple classification domains (Unclassified, Secret, Top Secret, SAP), including Cross Domain Solution (CDS) implementations and classified network architectures for mission-critical data feeds

• Act as senior technical advisor and spokesperson to Space Systems Command program office leadership, formulating and overseeing system requirements, architecture, and systems engineering practices using strategic thinking to guide decision-making

• Provide hands-on technical leadership architecting and evaluating cloud-native architectures (primarily in AWS GovCloud), database technologies, API Gateway solutions, and microservices architectures

• Lead diverse technical teams in executing systems engineering, integration, and test responsibilities across geographically dispersed organizations, while mentoring team members on technical and program office duties

• Ensure mission assurance for key space-specific data products from the Mission Delta 2, mission partners, and industry, across multiple data distribution systems

• Foster innovation by prototyping emerging technologies and authoring technical white papers and strategic planning documents for Space Force leadership

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Sr. Project Leader - Cloud Computing Architecture and Software Architecture Engineering:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline

• Twelve or more years of technical and leadership experience

• Proven track record leading technical teams (5+ people) in delivering complex integration projects across organizational boundaries

• Hands-on experience (not just oversight) in at least three of the following: software development and code review, cloud architecture and deployment (AWS preferred), database design and optimization, API development, or DevOps practices

• Excellent soft skills enabling effective communication with customers, colleagues and senior management, including the ability to present technical concepts to non-technical audiences

• Demonstrated ability to balance hands-on technical work (code review, architecture evaluation) with strategic leadership responsibilities

• Experience working with integrated, multidisciplinary, multi-organizational teams and managing remote or geographically distributed team members

• Ability to travel as required (approximately 10%)

• This position requires and Active Top Secret / SCI clearance, with ability to obtain and maintain Special Access (SAP) 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:

• Advanced academic degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline

• First-hand knowledge of government data systems like the Unified Data Library, Clairvoyant, Warp Core, or similar data systems

• Experience architecting, developing, and deploying resilient data systems 

• Experience with processes associated with a government system acquisition and lifecycle

• Prior experience working at Space Systems Command with an understanding of BMC3I (Battle Management, Command, Control, Communications, and Space Intelligence) systems 

• Current Special Access Program (SAP) 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)

$171,400.00 - $257,100.00

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.