Principal Director, Data and Software Operations

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 Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

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 Principal Director for Data and Software Operations, you will report directly to the General Manager, Digital Innovation Division where you will develop and lead the implementation of our corporate data strategy including the deployment of a robust data management platform (DMP) and maturation of Authoritative Sources of Truth (ASOT).  In partnership with stakeholders across the corporation you will oversee the continuous development of enterprise data, software, and knowledge management capabilities, aligning all efforts with Aerospace's strategic goals. As a visionary leader with deep expertise in data and software operations, you will provide the foundational elements of our digital transformation positioning the company to deliver the greatest value to our customers.

Work Model: Hybrid 4 or more days a week on site; Chantilly, VA, El Segundo, CA or, Colorado Springs, CO

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and operationalize data governance frameworks to ensure consistent, reliable, and secure data management across all platforms and networks.

• Establish and maintain best practices in software development and knowledge management, aligning them with organizational needs.

• Standardize the development, management, and operations of data and software to optimize lifecycle management, reduce costs, and maintain competitive advantage.

• Implement cutting-edge data management practices, software development tools, and Agile methodologies to enhance efficiency and innovation.

• Oversee the development of enterprise data, software, and knowledge management capabilities.

• Coordinate external engagements and ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels.

• Develop requirements for training and upskilling programs to enhance workforce capabilities in data and software management.

• Own the development of resilient and adaptable CI/CD pipelines to continuously enhance software development efforts.

• Ensure seamless integration of cloud technologies (Data-Ops and DevSecOps) to eliminate operational bottlenecks and enhance workflow agility.

• In partnership with engineering organizations, build and lead a highly skilled workforce in data management and DevSecOps.

• Develop and field a professional services team to support the organization’s data and software operations.

• Drive Aerospaces’s strategic mission by aligning software and data management efforts with the overall strategic goals of the organization.

• Ensure the deployment of a future-ready data ecosystem by maturing our Data Management Platform as the central hub for data management and governance.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, or a related technical discipline.

• 10 or more years relevant experience

• Proven experience in leading data governance, software development, and knowledge management initiatives in a complex, large-scale environment.

• Expertise in Agile methodologies, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud integration (Data-Ops and DevSecOps).

• Strong understanding of data management platforms (DMPs), ASOTs, and best practices in software development.

• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with a track record of building and empowering high-performing teams.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and engage with external stakeholders.

• Strategic thinking an