Associate Principal Director, Software Mission Solutions Subdivision (SMSS)

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 software and AI-enabled mission capabilities. With customers spanning the DoD, Intelligence Community (IC), civil and commercial space, ISCD blends expertise in modern software engineering, AI/ML systems, data platforms and architecture, advanced cloud and edge infrastructure, cybersecurity, and full-stack development through mission-focused, collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams. These teams leverage agile software practices, hands-on prototyping, and applied R&D to support customer concepts, digital architectures, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies into mission environments. We are seeking an innovative and energetic leader to serve as both the Associate Principal Director for SMSS and the senior ISCD leader in the National Capital Region, based in Chantilly, VA. This role provides integrating leadership and strategic coordination across all ISCD subdivisions and programs in the region. The Associate Principal Director will work closely with ISCD leadership to advance the organization's mission as the corporation's focal point for AI-enabled capabilities, modern digitalinfrastructure, and integrating expertise across software engineering. This role offers unparalleled access across the space enterprise to identify high-impact mission challenges, architect scalable software solutions, advance next-generation digital foundations, and guide the strategic application of AI technologies in support of national security, civil, and commercial space missions. Working across commercial industry, government, and academia, this Associate Principal Director will help shape how emerging software technologies and AI capabilities are rapidly adopted by a growing and increasingly innovative aerospace customer base while building and strengthening ISCD's presence and impact in the Chantilly region. This is a fulltime position based in Chantilly, Va , which requires 100% insite workWhat You’ll Be Doing The Associate Principal Director of SMSS will serve as the senior ISCD leader in the Chantilly region, focusing on operational integration, team development, and customer engagement across all ISCD subdivisions. This leader will be instrumental in expanding Aerospace's role with East Coast customers in national security space and building partnerships across the company and community to bring the latest software engineering practices, AI technologies, and digital capabilities to our customers and internal engineering staff. Key responsibilities will include: Serve as the senior ISCD leader in the Chantilly region, coordinating operations, facilities, infrastructure, hiring, workforce development, and strategic planning across all ISCD subdivisions Build and strengthen relationships with DoD, Intelligence Community, and other National Capital Region customers to expand ISCD's mission portfolio and impact Engage directly with customers to identify high-impact mission opportunities for modern software solutions and digital foundations Integrate prototype software capabilities into mission solutions, ensuring alignment with customer needs and operational requirements and leveraging the latest digital technologies Develop and implement talent strategies that attract, retain, and grow top technical talent Collaborate as core team member with broader ISCD leadership to ensure consistent culture, technical excellence, and operational effectiveness across ISCD What You Need to Be Successful Minimum Requirements for Associate Principal Director: Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, information systems, or a related STEM field 10 or more years of experience with demonstrated impact leading multidisciplinary technical teams supporting complex government or national security missions Strong executive presence and strategic thinking, with ability to influence across organizational boundaries and drive alignment on complex initiatives Proven ability to lead, mentor, and scale engineering teams practicing modern software development methodologies (CI/CD, microservices, cloud-native architectures), guide architectural decisions around contemporary frameworks and technology stacks, and drive organizational strategy for integrating AI/ML capabilities into product roadmaps Strong customer-facing skills, with experience partnering with government stakeholders to translate mission needs into scalable digital solutions Success building and leading integrated, multidisciplinary teams with a focus on reuse, scalability, and mission impact Experience coordinating across multiple technical organizations and fostering collaborative, cross-functional environments Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, and to effectively present to senior leadership Demonstrated ability to manage organizational change, navigate ambiguity, and drive strategic initiatives to completion Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites (approximately 10–20%) Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance (TS/SCI level and higher). U.S. citizenship is required How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of the