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 looking for an entry-level manager that is highly technical and mission-driven to lead a team responsible for designing, building, and operating enterprise-scale Distributed Data Architectures.
This role will drive the development of resilient, secure, and scalable data platforms that enable advanced analytics, AI/ML, real-time decision support, and cross-domain data integration across complex operational environments.
The Manager will combine deep technical expertise with strong leadership to guide architects and engineers delivering data fabrics, streaming pipelines, federated data systems, and cloud-native data services supporting mission-critical programs.
This position plays a critical role in enabling data-driven operations, AI adoption, 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.
Job Title: Section Manager
Location: Chantilly, VA
Job Type: Full-time
About the Role:
Lead the architecture and implementation of distributed data platforms, data fabrics, and data mesh capabilities.
Oversee development of scalable data pipelines for batch, streaming, and real-time analytics.
Drive adoption of modern data technologies, patterns, and governance frameworks.
Enable secure cross-domain data sharing and integration.
Guide architectural data decisions supporting AI/ML, digital engineering, and operational analytics.
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.
Ensure solutions align with enterprise architecture standards and compliance requirements.
Requirements:
Preferred Qualifications:
What We Offer:
Our Leadership Philosophy:
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:
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.