Director, Technical Portfolio Operations

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Portfolio Director (Department Director – Engineering Program Management) to lead the execution of our Software Integration Office (SIO) work portfolio. This full‑time, onsite role in El Segundo, CA requires 100% presence. The incumbent will own end‑to‑end accountability for a portfolio of five to ten high‑priority projects, manage integrated technical teams, and steer customer‑facing strategy and technical investment plans.

• Own end‑to‑end accountability for a portfolio of five to ten high‑priority projects with diverse technical deliverables, ensuring on‑time, on‑budget execution against committed milestones
• Establish and continuously improve portfolio management practices, including reporting cadences, status reviews, and stakeholder communications
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Technical Project Managers (TPMs), creating opportunities for early‑ and mid‑career high performers to step into leadership while supporting senior TPMs in continued growth
• Participate in SIO customer engagement and strategy sessions; lead the development of SIO work products such as customer portfolio analyses and ISCD capabilities offerings
• Participate in SIO tech investment strategy and planning sessions; lead portfolio execution from request‑for‑proposal (RFP) to mid‑year review to project close‑out
• Participate in shaping broader SIO strategy, organizational structure and business processes as the organization matures

• Bachelors degree in computer science, engineering or other STEM discipline
• Twelve or more years of experience in delivering full‑stack solutions, including at least five years leading teams
• Demonstrated experience managing complex technical projects with diverse deliverables (software, systems architecture, technical analysis, etc.)
• Proven track record developing and mentoring project managers or technical leads
• Hands‑on experience with both software development life cycles and systems engineering deliverables
• Demonstrated success working across technical and programmatic topics with a strategic mindset
• Experience operating in a matrixed environment and influencing without direct authority
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to engage senior executives and technical staff alike
• Willingness to travel domestically to customer sites approximately 10% as required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance issued by the U.S. government (TS/SCI clearance preferred)

• Experience leading complex, cross‑disciplinary programs that encompass data platforms, AI/ML systems, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and mission software
• Experience driving programs from concept through architecture, delivery, and operational adoption, including ownership of architecture, risk management, and delivery within a national security context
• Experience standing up a new function, team, or organizational capability from scratch
• Background in space systems, national security space, or aerospace and defense
• Formal project management or portfolio management credentials (PMP, PgMP, SAFe, or similar)
• History of recruiting, developing, and promoting technical leaders into larger roles

Grade‑based pay range: $ – $ (annual). Compensation is determined through a variety of factors including education, experience, and skills.

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) plan with company‑paid benefits of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested 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

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.

All Aerospace employees in technical roles are required to obtain a Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for these positions.