Senior Software Architecture & Cloud Engineer at The Aerospace Corporation — El Segundo, CA

The Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) is seeking a senior technical leader with 12+ years of experience delivering complex software systems within mission-critical environments. This role is ideal for a seasoned engineer who brings deep expertise across software integration, cloud/container modernization, automated test and CI/CD pipeline engineering, and leading cross-functional development teams.

You will act as a principal advisor and architect, guiding customers and engineering organizations through modernization efforts, containerization strategies, DevSecOps transformations, and evidence-based continuous assurance workflows. You will bridge the gap between commercial cloud-native technologies and high-assurance national security environments, influencing enterprise direction and technical execution.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of secure aerospace software systems through architecture leadership, technical rigor, hands-on expertise, and organizational influence.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Technical & Architecture Leadership: Provide senior-level architectural direction for mission-critical software systems spanning space, ground, and launch environments.
• Software Modernization: Lead the evolution of legacy monolithic architectures into modern, resilient, microservices-based configurations deployed across cloud and virtualized environments.
• DevSecOps Integration: Design and champion enterprise-scale automated pipeline architectures, transitioning manual security and compliance verification into modern, evidence-based continuous assurance.
• Cloud-Native & Containerization Strategy: Lead rigorous technical trade studies and rapid prototyping efforts to evaluate and securely implement emerging cloud-native, containerization, and orchestration technologies.
• Systems Integration & Verification Leadership: Oversee end-to-end software integration and segment-level verification, including requirements sell-off, witnessed demonstrations, and cross-functional coordination
• Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Interface directly with customers, systems engineering teams, security teams, and program leadership to align technical execution with mission priorities.
• Culture of Innovation: Champion modern software development methodologies, driving positive change by introducing new commercial perspectives, challenging established practices, and mentoring junior engineers.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in software engineering, integration, architecture, or DevSecOps roles spanning development, test, and modernization environments.
• Hands on experience building CI/CD pipelines, custom testing frameworks, or automation infrastructure.
• Hands-on experience with modern software development, integration workflows, and infrastructure-as-code concepts.
• Demonstrated technical communication and ability to lead cross-functional technical teams.
• Ability to prioritize, execute, and deliver in high-visibility, fast-paced mission environments.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites as required.
• 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

• 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.
• Extensive experience deploying, orchestrating (e.g., Kubernetes), and securing applications within enterprise cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or hybrid environments).
• Proven experience conducting "Build vs. Buy" analyses for enterprise-scale software tooling, factoring in long-term sustainability and total cost of ownership.
• 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.

(Min - Max)

$166,400.00 - $249,600.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

• 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

Equal Opportunity Commitment