Director, Data & AI Services

The Aerospace Corporation; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 248,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Education assistance programs

Flexible spending accounts

Variable pay program

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Director of Data and AI Services to lead a newly formed function within the CIO’s Office. You will shape strategy, architect data platforms, and drive modern analytics across IT, HR, Finance, Legal, and Security.

This hands-on leadership role requires deep technical expertise, strong people leadership, and the ability to translate complex data initiatives into executive value. Occasional travel is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Information Systems or related STEM field.
• 12+ years of experience in data engineering, data science, AI/ML, or enterprise technology leadership, including 5+ years in people management.
• Demonstrated experience building or transforming data/AI functions within a complex enterprise.
• Proven hands-on technical experience with modern data platforms, AI/ML technologies, and enterprise data architecture.

Responsibilities

• Build and grow a new Data and AI Services function from the ground up while remaining hands-on in delivery and architecture.
• Define and execute the enterprise data and AI strategy in collaboration with the Chief Data and Privacy Officer.
• Work across Enterprise Service Operations to modernize processes using data and AI to improve efficiency and decision-making.
• Lead design, delivery, and operational management of data platforms, analytics, and AI/ML-enabled solutions.
• Mentor and manage a high-performing team of data engineers, data scientists, and AI practitioners.
• Establish governance, service standards, and operational metrics for reliability and security.

Skills

Data leadership

AI/ML

Data engineering

Data science

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Education

STEM degree

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. Aerospace is the trusted partner to the nation's space enterprise, solving the hardest problems with innovative solutions. As part of our commitment to operational excellence, we are investing in the modernization of our enterprise data and AI capabilities to drive smarter, faster, and more secure decision‑making across the organization. Within Aerospace’s Office of the CIO, the newly constructed Data and AI Services team provides advanced modeling, machine learning, and predictive analytics capabilities that inform enterprise services operations and facilitates strategic decision‑making across the corporation. We are looking for a Director of Data and AI Services. This is a newly created leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Data and Privacy Officer, established to drive the strategy, delivery, and operational excellence of enterprise data and AI services. The selected candidate will work across all Enterprise Service Operations—partnering with IT, HR, Finance, Legal, Security, and other business functions—to deliver best‑in‑class data and AI services that modernize how Enterprise Services operate. This is a hands‑on leadership role: the successful candidate will not only set strategic direction but will remain actively engaged in technical details, team coaching, and day‑to‑day problem‑solving required to stand up and scale a high‑performing organization from the ground up.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Serve as a hands‑on leader, building and growing a new Data and AI Services function from the ground up, while remaining directly engaged in technical delivery, architecture decisions, and problem‑solving alongside the team
• Partner with the Chief Data and Privacy Officer to define and execute the enterprise data and AI strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and compliance requirements
• Work across all Enterprise Service Operations functions (IT, HR, Finance, Legal, Security, and others) to identify opportunities where data and AI can modernize processes, improve efficiency, and enhance decision‑making
• Lead the design, delivery, and operational management of enterprise data and AI services, including data platforms, analytics capabilities, and AI/ML‑enabled solutions
• Build, mentor, and manage a high‑performing team of data engineers, data scientists, and AI practitioners, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement (Fosters Innovation, Leads Change)
• Establish governance frameworks, service standards, and operational metrics to ensure the reliability, security, and scalability of data and AI services across the enterprise (Operates Strategically)
• Serve as a trusted advisor and change agent, communicating the value and progress of data and AI modernization efforts to senior leadership and stakeholders across the organization (Engages with Impact, Deliver Results)

What You Need to be Successful

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Information Systems or a related STEM field
• 12+ years of experience in data engineering, data science, AI/ML, or enterprise technology leadership, including 5+ years in a people management or team leadership role
• Demonstrated experience building, scaling, or transforming data and/or AI functions within a complex enterprise environment
• Proven hands‑on technical experience with modern data platforms, AI/ML technologies, and enterprise data architecture, with the ability to engage directly in technical discussions and decision‑making
• Strong track record of leading cross‑functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders across multiple business functions
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into business value for executive audiences
• Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites domestically, approx. 10‑20%

How You Can Stand Out

• Prior experience establishing or standing up a new data and/or AI function within a large organization
• Experience working in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated government environments
• Familiarity with data privacy, data governance, and compliance frameworks (e.g., CUI, ITAR, export control)
• Experience partnering with Executives to prioritize data and AI solution development in a consultative manner

Compensation

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) $165,100.00 - $247,600.00 Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

• 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 [e-mail] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

Right Place

The Aerospace Corporation has over 26 locations nationwide, which allows us to build a workforce that will nurture the best ideas, and generate the most novel innovations and solutions to our nation’s toughest space enterprise challenges.

Right Path

Aerospace covers all stages of the space lifecycle, from concept to operations. We believe our people are our most valuable resource and that’s why we propel our employees forward in their careers through ongoing education, training, and professional development.

Right Purpose

We can all serve a mission much greater than ourselves, and at Aerospace that is exactly what we do. By hiring the industry’s most preeminent scientists and engineers, Aerospace advances emerging technologies that protect some of the most critical missions on Earth and above it.

This position requires the 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.

Aerospace employees working in organizations with technical responsibilities are required to obtain a Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for those positions.