Associate Director – Capability Transformation

The Aerospace Corporation

. Lead strategic digital transformation initiatives and define and execute integrated digital transformation roadmaps for Aerospace and government customers .

Posted 9/21/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $168,200 - $252,400 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading digital transformation initiatives within aerospace and government sectors, focusing on M&S workflows, cloud architecture, and AI/ML technologies. Proven ability to develop strategies, manage technical teams, and establish governance frameworks while ensuring compliance and security in mission-critical environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Digital Transformation LeadershipM&S Software IntegrationCloud Architecture ExpertiseAI/ML TechnologiesDevSecOps Practices

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Software EngineeringSystems EngineeringData ManagementDigital EngineeringCI/CD PipelinesSpace Domain ModelingSimulation and AnalysisMetadata ManagementInfrastructure as CodeAutomated Testing

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationTeam LeadershipStakeholder EngagementConsensus BuildingMentoring

Tools & Technologies

AWSAzureGCPData Management SolutionsSoftware FactoriesInternal Developer Platforms

Certifications & Qualifications

Security ClearanceDoD Top Secret Clearance

Industry Keywords

AerospaceDefenseNational SecurityIntelligence CommunityGovernment Programs

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSAzureCloudGoogle Cloud Platform

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead strategic digital transformation initiatives and define and execute integrated digital transformation roadmaps for Aerospace and government customers
Modernize M&S workflows, enterprise data management, agentic AI capabilities, and software integration across cloud and HPC environments
Translate ambiguous, rapidly evolving mission needs into actionable technical strategies and investment priorities
Develop strategies, roadmaps, requirements, and designs for external customers seeking digital transformation
Establish governance frameworks, technical standards, program management, financial management, and decision-making processes
Balance innovation velocity with risk management, security, and compliance requirements for national security space missions
Influence, develop, and retain technical talent across M&S software integration, data engineering, DevSecOps, cloud architecture, and AI/ML
Mentor team leads and provide career development guidance
Build trusted relationships with senior government stakeholders across defense, intelligence, NNSA, and civil space programs
Identify customer needs, coordinate across Aerospace divisions, and align transformation efforts with mission priorities and operational timelines
Represent Aerospace digital capabilities at forums and technical working groups
Accelerate adoption of modern digital capabilities across Aerospace and customer organizations
Establish communities of practice, measure value delivery through metrics and performance indicators, and manage organizational change
Integrate needs across M&S software development, enterprise data management, infrastructure, security, and mission operations
Promote version control, containerization, automated testing and validation, infrastructure as code, and DevSecOps principles
Drive maturity of CI/CD pipelines, software factories, and development workflows

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in STEM or other technical discipline
10 or more years of increasingly responsible professional experience in software engineering, systems engineering, or digital transformation roles, especially related to digital engineering (DE), M&S, cloud, data, and AI technologies
7+ years in leadership roles managing technical teams and programs, with demonstrated success building and developing high-performing teams
Proven ability to operate effectively in high-ambiguity dynamic environments with evolving requirements, diverse stakeholder needs, and competing priorities across multiple programs and organizations
Understanding of digital transformation in complex, mission-critical environments including M&S software, data management platforms, cloud and HPC computing, DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines, and emerging AI/ML technologies
Effective communication skills with the ability to engage with senior leadership, technical teams, and diverse stakeholders across multiple disciplines and classification levels
Proven ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly and build consensus across organizational boundaries
Track record establishing technical strategies, frameworks, and standards that drive adoption across large organizations
Experience working with Department of Defense, NNSA, Intelligence Community, or civil space programs in technical advisory or delivery capacity
Demonstrated ability to acquire technical support from appropriate corporate resources and coordinate across organizational boundaries
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance issued by the US government
U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance
Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in STEM or other technical discipline (impressive if you have)
15+ years of professional experience with deep expertise in aerospace, defense, or national security digital transformation (impressive if you have)
Experience in space domain modeling, simulation, and analysis across mission phases
Expertise with AWS, Azure, GCP, data management solutions, and AI/ML service offerings in government environments
Knowledge of DevSecOps practices, Authority to Operate (ATO) processes, and security compliance in classified environments
Direct experience with data governance, metadata management, ASOT principles, and enterprise data platform implementations
Experience with software factories, platform engineering, and internal developer platform strategies
Current DoD Top Secret and SSBI/SCI Clearance (impressive if you have)

Benefits

Comp & perks

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