Senior Software Architecture & Cloud Engineer

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) 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. -…