Section Manager, Software Modernization & Cloud Architecture at The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA

Job description

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 Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) delivers modern, secure, high-performance software-intensive systems integrating advances in cloud-native architectures, AI/ML technologies, DevSecOps automation, virtualization, and scalable data frameworks. Our division empowers customers across the Intelligence Community, DoD, and Civil sectors with solutions that modernize legacy systems, enhance resiliency, and accelerate mission impact. The Software Tools and Assurance Department is looking for a leader to take on the role of a Section Manager for the department. In this leadership role, you will guide a high-performing team of software engineers through modernization initiatives—from cloud migration and microservices adoption to automated pipeline deployment and applied AI/ML integration. You will collaborate closely with internal partners and external customers, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and diverse Aerospace expertise to solve critical challenges across space, ground, and launch domains. This role includes technical leadership, people development, section strategy execution, and direct responsibility for aligning staff capabilities with evolving mission and enterprise needs. Work Model This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work. What You’ll Be Doing Strategic & People Leadership Partner with the Director to define section and Department objectives, ensuring clear alignment with SMSS and ISCD strategic modernization priorities. Lead, manage, and mentor a diverse team of software engineers, fostering growth in cloud-native development, AI/ML integration, secure architecture, DevSecOps, and enterprise automation. Engage in workforce planning, talent development, succession management, and performance reviews to build and sustain a modern, highly capable engineering team. Promote collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning—championing adoption of emerging technologies and modern engineering practices. Technical & Modernization Leadership Guide teams developing and modernizing software tools, prototypes, and enterprise applications, including migrating legacy systems to cloud-native architectures, containerization strategies, and microservices based designs. Drive evaluation and adoption of Open Source and COTS toolchains supporting modern CI/CD, infrastructure-as-code, automated testing, and continuous security assurance. Support integration and application of AI/ML technologies for automation, analytics, decision support, and enhancement of software development workflows. Provide oversight and direction in designing secure, scalable commercial cloud solutions (AWS, Azure, hybrid) aligned with customer mission objectives. Customer Alignment & Matrix Collaboration Coordinate cross-functional engineering efforts and matrix support across the Software Mission Solutions Subdivision, ensuring availability of critical domain expertise. Participate in SMSS management discussions to shape organizational structure, technical priorities, and enterprise-level modernization initiatives. Operational Excellence Plan and allocate section resources, balancing project demands, staff development, customer support, and long-term modernization goals. Oversee schedules, workload distribution, and project execution—ensuring high-quality technical results and timely delivery aligned with customer expectations. Promote adopti