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The Aerospace Corporation · 1 day ago

Principal Director, Applied AI & Advanced Infrastructure (A3I)

El Segundo, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$208K/yr - $312K/yr

12+ years exp

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. They are seeking a Principal Director to build and lead the new subdivision focusing on applied AI and advanced digital infrastructure, integrating expertise across data architecture and AI/ML systems.

AerospaceGovernmentInnovation ManagementMilitary

Work & Life Balance

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Build the organizational vision, strategy, and technical roadmap for applied AI and advanced digital infrastructure across ISCD’s mission portfolio

Lead the prototyping and integration of AI/ML, data platforms, and cloud/edge infrastructure into cohesive, mission-ready architectures that can be reused and scaled across programs and customers

Engage directly with DoD, Intelligence Community, civil (e.g., NASA), and commercial customers to identify high-impact mission opportunities for AI-enabled solutions and modern digital foundations

In partnership with the larger ISCD division, develop new business operations/mechanisms and prioritized strategy to manage very high customer demand and focus on the hardest national-level challenges

Guide the development and adoption of enterprise-grade data architectures, including data fabrics, data meshes, streaming and batch pipelines, and analytics platforms that enable AI at scale

Innovate toward unique customer needs for new secure, cloud-native and hybrid architectures, spanning commercial cloud, government cloud, on-prem, and edge environments

Grow an internal research and development portfolio spanning fast-moving and industry-leading topics in AI, with emphasis on industry transition to operations and external partnerships

Partner closely with Aerospace’s CIO and CTO organizations to align enterprise platforms, internal tools, and infrastructure strategies with mission-facing needs

Build, mentor, and inspire a multidisciplinary workforce spanning AI/ML, data engineering, cloud infrastructure, platform engineering, and systems integration

Foster a collaborative, inclusive culture that encourages innovation, technical excellence, and cross-division impact

Qualification

AI/ML systemsData architectureCloud infrastructureTechnical leadershipData governanceMLOpsPrototypingCustomer-facing skillsTeam buildingExecutive communication

Required

Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, information systems, or a related STEM field

12 or more years of experience with demonstrated impact leading large, multidisciplinary technical organizations supporting complex government or national security missions

Deep understanding of modern AI/ML systems, including model development, deployment, and lifecycle management (MLOps), as well as strengths and limitations of current AI approaches

Strong expertise in modern data architectures, including data platforms, data fabrics/meshes, streaming systems, analytics environments, and data governance in mission contexts

Demonstrated experience with cloud-native and hybrid infrastructure, including commercial and government cloud service providers, container platforms, orchestration, and edge computing

Proven ability to shape mid- and long-range technical strategies and roadmaps that integrate AI, data, and infrastructure for complex, software-enabled missions

Exceptional customer-facing skills, with experience partnering with senior government stakeholders to translate mission needs into scalable digital solutions

Established success building and leading integrated, multidisciplinary teams with a focus on reuse, scalability, and mission impact

Experience managing internal R&D portfolios, including transitioning research into operational systems or sustained mission use

Executive-level communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences

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

Preferred

Experience standing up new organizations or technical centers of excellence focused on AI, data platforms, or cloud infrastructure

Direct research in modern AI systems focusing on automated reasoning, agentic AI systems/AI agents, deep reinforcement learning, or similar

Hands-on experience delivering AI-enabled mission solutions, including applications such as autonomous systems, space domain awareness, cyber detection, predictive analytics, digital engineering, or physics-informed ML

Deep familiarity with secure and multi-level environments, including cross-domain architectures and AI/data deployment across classification boundaries

Exposure to space, defense, or intelligence mission areas such as space control, missile warning, remote sensing, or commercial space data exploitation

Benefits

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