- Pay
- $224–336k
- Where
- El Segundo, CA · Chantilly, VA
- Level
- Senior
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 non-profit 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 platforms and architecture, advanced cloud and edge infrastructure, cybersecurity, and full-stack engineering through mission-focused, collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams. These teams leverage hands-on prototyping and applied R&D to support customers, deliver architectures, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies into real-world mission environments.
We are seeking an innovative and visionary leader to grow and lead ISCD's Cyberspace Systems and Security (CS3) subdivision. This organization is the corporation's focal point for space-relevant cyber combat readiness, cyber systems engineering, and hands-on cyber technology innovation—advancing offensive and defensive cyber capabilities, hardened systems architectures, and the application of disruptive technologies—including AI, automation, and emerging computing paradigms—to cybersecurity to protect the nation's most critical space assets. CS3 engineers, researchers, and operators work across national security, civil, and commercial space programs to prototype novel capabilities, stress-test real systems against real adversaries, and transition breakthrough technology directly into the hands of the warfighter and mission operator.
Aerospace's leadership in this domain extends well beyond our own walls. CS3 staff represent the corporation as a founding member of the Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Space ISAC), lead in the DEF CON Aerospace Village, and help drive premier community events including CyberSat and Hack-A-Sat—shaping how the broader space and cyber communities think about resilience, threat intelligence, and adversarial testing for space systems. This is a rare opportunity to lead an organization that is simultaneously a trusted government partner and a recognized voice in the global space-cyber community.
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of cybersecurity and resilient space systems while leading a growing organization of engineers, researchers, and technical innovators. The Principal Director will work directly with senior government and industry leaders to identify emerging mission needs, develop new technical capabilities, and accelerate the transition of research and advanced prototypes into operational solutions. Success requires a leader who combines technical depth, strategic vision, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a passion for developing people and organizations.
Work Model
This is a full-time position based…