Lead Software Engineer

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.

At the Aerospace Corporation, we are reimagining how we operate and deliver values to our customers using AI. It is an exciting time to join and help us shape our future. We are looking for a Lead Software Engineer (technical lead) to help us build the next generation of AI-enabled Web and mobile agentic applications. You will work with a small team of bright and experienced software developers to push the boundaries of web and mobile technologies.  The selected candidate will have a broad knowledge of software development and testing and will efficiently work with other software developers, business analysts, customers, and management to ensure high-quality software releases.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Designing, implementing, and testing web-based workflow automation solutions, and services (APIs) running on AWS and Azure including new features and enhancements.
• Participating in and collaborating with Product owner, team leads, and other developers to capturing feature requirements and defining solutions.
• Produce prototype features quickly and participate in gathering feedback from users.
• Collaborate with the team in improving solutions as well as software development lifecycle processes using AI-enabled tools like Claude Code.
• Participate in code reviews and provide feedback to increase code efficiency, maintainability and robustness.
• Support and debug production level issues and provide fixes.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Solution Developer Staff IV

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
• 8+ years of software development expertise using Java/Spring Boot, React, and Python
• Define enterprise-grade solution architecture that is testable, maintainable, secure, and scalable
• Develop and deploy cloud-native solutions on AWS and Azure
• Deploy software using DevSecOps pipelines
• Collaborate within Agile software development environment
• Utilize Jira, Git, and AI-enabled IDEs such as Claude Code • Manage DevOps processes and cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure)
• Design and maintain SQL and relational databases (MySQL, MSSQL)
• Build and integrate APIs and web services (REST, SOAP)
• Troubleshoot complex issues with a proactive approach to mitigating software bugs
• Apply Agile development processes and test automation practices
• Demonstrate attention to detail, self-motivation, and self-organization under minimal supervision
• Learn and adapt quickly to new technologies and tools
• Build strong relationships with peers and customers through excellent interpersonal skills, driving consensus around solutions
• Mentor junior developers to support their technical growth
• Build AI-enabled applications using RAG, MCP, Agents, and LLMs
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. 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:

• Master’s degree in computer science or related field
• Not satisfied with the status quo—always seeking better ways to improve processes and outcomes
• Experience with workflow automation using engines such as Camunda • Experience conducting business workflow analysis
• Experience leveraging AI tools such as Claude Code
• Strong background in software architecture and design patterns
• Proven experience leading large-scale enterprise solution implementations
• Experience building AI-enabled applications using RAG, MCP, Agents, and LLMs

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)

$127,500.00 - $191,300.00Pay 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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.