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.

• 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, Dev Ops, and Data Ops 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

• 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…