Associate Director – Cyberspace Innovation

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 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 fabric/architecture, advanced cloud and edge platforms, cybersecurity, and full‑stack engineering through mission‑focused, collaborative, multi‑disciplinary teams.

These collaborative teams leverage hands‑on prototyping and applied R&D to support customer concepts, software architecture and development, and integration of the latest digital technology solutions. By bringing multi‑disciplinary technical insight to critical space missions, ISCD is positioned at the forefront of innovative software and technology for excited new ways to make real‑world impact.

Aerospace’s Cyberspace Systems&Security Subdivision (CS3) is seeking an Associate Director–Cyberspace Innovation to shape the future of cybersecurity for space systems. This role combines strategic planning, business development, technical leadership, and stakeholder engagement to pioneer AI‑enabled cybersecurity solutions across Aerospace and the broader space enterprise. As a key leader within the subdivision, you will have ownership of critical product lines and capabilities while providing strategic guidance that extends beyond departmental boundaries.

You will work closely with government agencies, program offices, prime contractors, commercial vendors, and internal teams to develop comprehensive strategies that leverage artificial intelligence to enhance cybersecurity operations. A core aspect of this role is influencing and shaping customer mission requirements toward AI‑enabled tasking, identifying emerging opportunities at the AI‑cyber intersection, and translating strategic vision into actionable technical solutions that drive both departmental growth and subdivision‑wide innovation.

This is a fulltime position 4 days/week onsite in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing Develop, hire, lead, and mentor a team of cybersecurity professionals, including experts in AI‑enabled cyber operations, machine learning security, and innovative cyber solutions. Define and drive the strategic vision for AI and cybersecurity initiatives across space and related defense domains, ensuring alignment with broader Aerospace mission support. Provide strategic leadership support across the entire CS3 subdivision, triaging hiring needs, technical reviews…