Data Architect and Cloud Solutions Engineer

aero; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Data Architect and Solutions Engineer to lead, innovate, and build next‑gen data solutions for space enterprise customers. You will design data-centric architectures and oversee scalable platforms across public and private clouds, coordinating with national security programs.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in data engineering/architecture, strong leadership, and expertise in cloud-native development with Kubernetes, Docker, and Helm, plus AI-enabled data

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Computer Science or a related STEM field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in software development, data engineering, software and data architecture development, or similar technical specializations.
• Strong technical leadership acumen and experience.
• Proficiency in cloud-native application development using Python, C/C++, Java.
• Hands-on experience building enterprise AI-ready data management systems and data operations.
• Hands-on experience with Kubernetes, Docker, and Helm for cloud-native deployments.
• Familiarity with AI capabilities (LLMs, RAGs, Agentic AI) and data governance.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Platform One).
• Willingness to travel to work locations or customer sites domestically or internationally.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with National Security Space and DoD customers on data architectures.
• Provide advanced data architecture and engineering designs for space enterprise.
• Lead development of resilient data architectures and platforms.
• Support customers by managing growing data volumes with innovative platforms.
• Lead multi-functional teams to build prototypes and internal enterprise apps on cloud.
• Adapt duties to evolving organizational needs.
• Drive velocity and innovation through data solutions.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Java

Cloud-native

Kubernetes

Docker

Helm

Data architecture

AI/ML

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related STEM field

Tools

Palantir Foundry

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.

Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software and cloud architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers.

The Data Platforms and Architectures Department in ISCD is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge data architectures, and solutions. Our mission is to empower various civil and national security space customers with cutting-edge data architectures enabling them to build multi-domain, data-centric organizations through excellence in data management, orchestration, integration and fusion, and cloud development. Join us as a Data Architect and Solutions Engineer to lead, innovate, and build next generation, enterprise, scalable, and resilient data solutions.

This is a full-time position, requiring 100% onsite and an be based in El Segundo, Ca, Colorado Spring, Co or Chantilly, Va

What You'll Be Doing

• Collaborating closely with National Security Space, United States Space Force, and other Department of Defense customers.
• Providing advanced data architecture and engineering designs and solutions for the space enterprise.
• Leading the development of highly resilient and efficient data architectures, platforms, and solutions that are central to both current and future information systems.
• Supporting our customers by managing rapidly growing data volumes with innovative data platforms.
• Lead, coordinate, and collaborate with multi-functional teams to build and deploy prototypes and internal enterprise applications/platforms that support the customer's mission using public and private cloud.
• Adapting duties, responsibilities, and activities as needed to meet evolving organizational requirements.
• Driving increased velocity and innovation for Aerospace and our customers through the development of these data solutions.

What You Need to be Successful

• Minimum Requirements:, Sr Member of Technical Staff
• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Computer Science or a related STEM field from an accredited institution.
• 5+ years of professional experience in software development, data engineering, software and data architecture development, or similar technical specializations.
• Strong technical leadership acumen and experience
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in designing, developing, and implementing data-intensive cloud-native applications using Python, C/C++, Java, etc.
• Hands on experience in building enterprise AI ready data management systems, data operations, integration and fusion.
• Hands‑on experience with cloud‑native application development and deployment across both cloud and on‑premises platforms using technologies such as Kubernetes, Docker, and Helm.
• Familiarity with building modern AI capabilities, LLMs, RAGs, Agentic AI systems.
• Familiarity in cloud technologies and platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Platform One).
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically/internationally if 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

• It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
• Advanced degree (Masters, or PhD) in Computer Science or a related STEM field.
• Expertise in modern data architectures, paradigms, solutions, and platforms for multi-domain enterprise organizations. (e.g. data lakehouse, data fabric, data mesh, etc.)
• Proficiency in data security, management, governance, orchestration, integration and fusion, virtualization, and access.
• Knowledge of knowledge graphs, and ontologies.
• Proficiency in microservices and cloud architectures.
• Familiarity with latest AI advancements in data management, governance, and operations.
• Familiarity with Palantir Foundry.
• Active Secret or 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 th