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 the ISCD leadership to advance the organization’s mission as the corporation's focal point for AI-enabled capabilities, modern digital infrastructure, integrating expertise across software engineering, data platforms, advanced infrastructure including cloud and edge platforms, and applied AI/ML.

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 apply AI at scale 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 full‑time position based in Chantilly, VA and requires 100% onsite work.

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.

Within the SMSS organization, this role will support the subdivision’s mission to serve as:

• a technical integrator, aligning software architectures, data platforms, AI/ML pipelines, and cloud/edge infrastructure across programs
• a mission accelerator, rapidly applying these capabilities to customer challenges through prototypes, pilots, and deployable solutions
• a continuously‑evolving leader in applied research, building connections to other cutting‑edge organizations to accelerate innovation

This Associate Principal Director position will establish operational foundation in the National Capital Region and provide integrating leadership across all ISCD activities in Chantilly to improve team development models, customer/mission connectivity, and supporting operations.

• Serve as the senior ISCD leader in the Chantilly region,…