Section Manager, Software Modernization & Cloud Architecture

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 adoption of Agile and DevSecOps processes, enhancing transparency, velocity, and resilience across project teams.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM or related technical field.
• Six or more years of industry experience in software engineering, cloud development, or software architecture.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams or cross-functional groups, ensuring successful project execution and organizational alignment.
• Hands-on proficiency in coding, testing, deploying, and modernizing software applications using contemporary cloud-native frameworks and practices.
• Experience supporting or interfacing with National Security Space systems, DoD programs, civil agencies, or advanced space technologies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate modernization strategies to customers and leadership.
• 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:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in a STEM or related technical field.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with a proven track record of translating complex technical concepts into clear business and mission value for non-technical stakeholders.
• Understanding of Aerospace Corporation processes, engineering matrix operations, and customer business environments.
• Experience integrating open-source and commercial security, repository, or observability tools into automated enterprise software supply chains.
• Strong track record of building, mentoring, and leading technical teams or working groups from the ground up.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.