Mission IT Director

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.

Digital Innovation Division (DID) is accountable for generating and executing integrated strategies, providing governance, and managing internal investments associated with four technical pillars that form the foundation of Aerospace's digital transformation. 

As the Mission IT Director (Director - IT Infrastructure/Systems Architecture), you will report directly to the Principal Director for Mission IT in the Digital Innovation Division. You will oversee a blended team of direct-report and matrixed site reliability engineers providing specialized IT support to labs in the Engineering and Technology Group. You will also be the interface with the Enterprise IT and Security organizations to establish a common baseline for lab IT support at the Aerospace Corporation. You will be developing a team that provides quality support and sustainment to labs at multiple classification levels.

Work Model:

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA, offering a hybrid work model that combines 3 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• You will provide an organize and equip function for the corporation to address current and emerging lab IT needs across multiple classification networks and enclaves.
• You will lead the way to effectively document, develop, and implement a corporate Mission IT lab IT support portfolio as part of an overall integrated Mission IT strategy.
• You will develop, and execute implementation plans and sustainment plans in partnership with our customer and enterprise services organizations including service level agreements across IT resources.
• You will oversee a team of direct-report and matrixed IT professionals utilizing ITIL methodologies.
• You will support the development of strategies involving Mission IT with other Digital Innovation Division leadership.
• You will lead efforts to optimize resources working with Enterprise IT and SMEs in the Engineering and Technology Group.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM or other technical discipline.
• 12 or more years’ experience.
• Experience and knowledge with cloud-based platforms and services (on premises, off premises, hybrid) and high-performance technical computing as part of classified networks and enclaves.
• Experience and knowledge with container-based platforms and services.
• Experience and knowledge with large-scale technical security control and automation packages.
• Experience and knowledge with supporting Windows and Linux for technical computing applications.
• Experience and knowledge with Aerospace supply chain and budget request processes.
• Experience with Aerospace security approval and software installation processes.
• Experience with requirements analysis.
• Demonstrated experience leading by influence and through ambiguity to adjudicate competing priorities.
• Position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Masters in information technology, computer science, computer engineering, systems engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience with ITIL as implemented by ServiceNOW
• Relevant certifications in technical disciplines (e.g., computing and cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity) or project management disciplines (e.g., PMP, agile product owner or Scrum master).
• Knowledge of commercial-off-the-shelf engineering analysis tools and applications, vendors, and licensing models
• Current DoD TS and SSBI/SCI Clearance

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Max)

$168,200 - $252,400Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• 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

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

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. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.