Digital Transformation and Data Integration Section Manager

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 Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) is a unique engineering division partnering across the full space enterprise to advance next-generation digital solutions and software-enabled mission capabilities. With customers spanning the DoD, Intelligence Community (IC), civil and commercial space, ISCD blends expertise in software architecture, AI/ML systems, data platforms and architecture, advanced cloud and edge infrastructure, cybersecurity, and full-stack engineering through mission-focused, collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams. These teams leverage hands-on prototyping and applied R&D to support customer concepts, digital architectures, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies into real-world mission environments.

The Data Platforms and Architectures Department (DPAD) within the ISCD organization is seeking an entry level manager who is highly-technical and mission-driven for the Digital Transformation & Data Integration team, responsible for modernizing legacy data platforms and enabling secure, scalable data integration across systems. This role is a front-line technical leadership position that combines people management, technical guidance, and delivery execution.

This position plays a critical role in enabling data-driven operations, and digital transformation across the enterprise. The Manager will directly influence the organization’s ability to integrate data across domains, accelerate innovation, and deliver mission advantage.

This is a full-time position 100% onsite based in El Segundo, Ca

What You’ll Be Doing – Section Manager 

• Provide technical direction for the modernization of data platforms
• Collaborate with data and software architects, program managers, and external partners
• Communicate status, risks, and accomplishments to leadership
• Lead development of data integration pipelines and services
• Enable interoperability across heterogeneous systems and data sources
• Promote standardized interfaces, schemas, and governance practices
• Support real-time and batch data exchange capabilities

• Promote adoption of modern data engineering practices and tools
• Drive transition from legacy systems to modern data architectures
• Introduce automation, DevOps, and DataOps practices
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and mission outcomes
• Manage and grow a team of data architects, engineers, and platform specialists (~6–10 staff)
• Set technical direction, priorities, and performance expectations
• Mentor staff to build deep expertise in distributed systems and modern data platforms
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and engineering excellence
• Support workforce development and strategic hiring
• Partner with program leadership, customers, and enterprise stakeholders
• Translate mission needs into technical roadmaps and deliverables
• Support proposal development, technical reviews, and executive briefings
• Coordinate across software, AI/ML, cyber, cloud, and domain engineering teams

What You Need to be Successful  

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related STEM/ technical field
• 8+ years of experience in data engineering, distributed systems, or platform architecture
• 2+ years of technical leadership or people management experience
• Demonstrated experience Proven ability  designing large-scale distributed data systems
• Experience with real-time data processing and event-driven systems
• Demonstrated  communication skills with both technical and executive audiences
• Candidates should have familiarity with many of the following:
  • Distributed Messaging Tools (Apache Airflow, Apache Kafka, Pulsar, Kinesis, etc.)
  • Data virtualization (Presto)
  • Database solutions (SQL (PostgreSQL) and NoSQL databases (Cassandra, DynamoDB, MongoDB)
  • Data Management and Governance (Apache Atlas, OpenMetadata)
  • Security and access control frameworks (Keycloak)
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site if required.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. 

How You Can Stand Out  

• Experience in defense, aerospace, intelligence, or mission-critical systems
• Knowledge of AI/ML data pipelines and model operations
• Experience with data mesh or data fabric architectures
• Background in high-performance computing or edge computing environments
• Active security clearance (if applicable)

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)

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.