Sr. Data Engineer/Sr. Data Architect

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  and cloud                 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 Data-Centric Platforms and Architectures Department seeks a creative and highly motivated engineer to join a team of technologists passionate about building modern data platforms for the space enterprise. In this role, you will research emerging technologies, develop prototypes, and design cloud-native solutions that enable secure, scalable, and self-service access to data. You will help advance the next generation of data and Agentic AI capabilities, delivering platforms that empower mission success through intelligent automation, data-driven insights, and seamless user experiences. Our platforms are built on four foundational pillars: operational excellence, security, reliability, and performance and cost optimization.

 

This role is 100% onsite in el Segundo, Ca or Chantilly, Va

 

What You'll Be Doing

• Working closely with National Security Space, United States Space Force, and other Department of Defense customers
• Build data platforms and architectures for various data domains. We use the development of these types of data platforms and architectures to increase velocity and innovation for Aerospace and our customers.
• Develop and implement an overall organizational data strategy that aligns with business processes. The strategy includes data model designs, database development standards, implementation, and management of data warehouses and data analytics platforms.
• Coordinate and collaborate with multi-functional teams, customers, and vendors for the smooth functioning of the enterprise data system.

 

What You Need to be Successful:

 

Minimum Requirements for Sr. Data Engineer/Data Architect:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related STEM field.
• Typically 8 or more years of experience designing and delivering enterprise data solutions.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in programming languages such as Python and/or Java.
• Experience with modern data integration, orchestration, and processing technologies such as Apache Airflow, Apache Spark, Denodo, or similar platforms.
• Experience leading end-to-end data architecture initiatives, including platform selection, technical design, implementation, testing, and deployment of scalable solutions.
• Experience designing and building modern cloud-native data platforms that support analytics, machine learning, and Agentic AI capabilities.
• Experience with SQL and NoSQL database technologies (for example, MongoDB, MySQL, PostgreSQL, DynamoDB).
• Ability to integrate technical solutions that ensure data accessibility, quality, governance, security, and operational excellence across the enterprise.
• Knowledge of data architectures that enable self-service analytics, intelligent automation, and Agentic AI-driven workflows is highly desirable.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance 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:

• Advanced [Masters, PhD] degree from an accredited program in computer science or other applicable STEM concentration
• Cloud application architectures and deployment
• Knowledge of data virtualization and data access

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)

$144,500.00 - $216,700.00

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.