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.   

 We are seeking a Mission IT Architect to help develop the architectures, technology strategies, and roadmaps that enable mission-critical computing environments.

Working closely with the Chief Architect, this individual will address complex problems spanning cloud computing, enterprise infrastructure, cybersecurity, data platforms, software environments, networking, and emerging technologies. The role combines technical architecture with strategic analysis: understanding how technologies work, determining how they should fit together at enterprise scale, identifying important tradeoffs and constraints, and translating findings into actionable recommendations.

This position is well suited to an experienced technical professional who has developed significant depth in one or more areas and is ready to broaden into enterprise architecture and technology strategy.

Expertise in every technology domain is not expected. We are looking for strong technical fundamentals, systems thinking, intellectual curiosity, clear communication, and a demonstrated ability to rapidly understand unfamiliar technologies and complex environments

Work Model :

This position will be 100% onsite in either El Segundo, CA ,Chantilly, VA, or Colorado Springs, Co

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Develop enterprise and mission-computing architectures, technology strategies, reference architectures, and multi-year roadmaps.
• Analyze complex problems that cross technology and organizational boundaries, including cloud, compute, storage, networking, cybersecurity, data, software platforms, and end-user computing.
• Evaluate architectural alternatives and articulate technical, security, operational, cost, schedule, and organizational tradeoffs.
• Conduct technical investigations and trade studies involving emerging technologies, architectural approaches, products, and services.
• Identify common architectural patterns and enterprise capabilities that can address recurring mission needs.
• Work across mission programs, IT organizations, cybersecurity organizations, engineering teams, authorization stakeholders, and technology providers.
• Translate mission and business requirements into technical capabilities and architectural requirements.
• Structure ambiguous issues into clear decision problems, identify the critical facts and tradeoffs, and develop concise recommendations supported by explicit reasoning.
• Produce decision-oriented technical papers, memoranda, presentations, and executive briefings that lead with the key conclusion and organize supporting analysis logically.
• Distill large amounts of technical and stakeholder input into clear, decision-relevant insights for both technical and executive audiences.
• Participate in architecture reviews and provide technically grounded recommendations regarding systems and technology investments.

What You Need to be Successful –

Minimum Requirements  

• Bachelors degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field   
• Approximately 8 or more years of progressively responsible experience in information technology, computing, cybersecurity, software, systems engineering, or a related field.

• Demonstrated technical depth in one or more areas such as cloud computing, enterprise infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, software platforms, DevSecOps, containers, data platforms, high-performance computing, identity, storage, end-user computing, or systems architecture.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex technical problems involving multiple technologies or organizational domains.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to organize complex analysis into concise, decision-ready recommendations.
• Experience developing architectural recommendations, technical strategies, trade studies, engineering analyses, or comparable decision products.
• Ability to work effectively with both deeply technical personnel and senior organizational stakeholders.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances and accesses.

• Willing to travel occasionally

• 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 or doctorate in a relevant technical discipline.
• Experience architecting large-scale, mission-critical, highly secure, regulated, or otherwise complex computing environments.
• Experience with cloud, hybrid computing, cybersecurity architecture, or security authorization.
• Experience with classified computing environments, including Secret, TS/SCI, SAP/SAR, or other controlled environments.
• Experience developing enterprise technology strategies, roadmaps, reference architectures, standards, or governance.
• Experience presenting architectural recommendations to senior technical or executive decision-makers.

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)

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.