Software Engineering Section Manager

The Aerospace Corporation; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 148,000 - 221,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care and wellness plans

Paid holidays, sick time, vacation

Telework options

401(k) plan with company match

Flexible spending accounts

Relocation assistance

Professional growth and education aid

Inclusive work environment

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Software Engineering Section Manager to lead a team of engineers delivering AI‑driven software for national security missions. You will transition from individual contributor to a leadership role while guiding design, development, and deployment of advanced software systems.

You’ll lead a team of 6–10 developers, mentor staff, and collaborate with AI experts to translate strategic vision into technical solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in STEM (Data Science, CS, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Physics, Math) or related field.
• 6+ years of professional engineering/scientific experience as a software engineer, software developer, or AI/ML researcher.
• Ability to lead, advise, and provide direction to a team.
• Experience across the software/systems development lifecycle: requirements, design, coding, testing, integration.
• Hands-on experience with modern software development (Python, C/C++, Java) and DevSecOps/Agile practices.
• Ability to take initiative, complete tasks, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to lead and mentor team members and provide clear direction.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Architect, develop, and deploy AI‑driven software capabilities and systems to customer mission networks.
• Design and build AI‑driven software in collaboration with technical leaders to support mission operations.
• Integrate AI capabilities by leveraging cross‑department resources for end‑to‑end solutions.
• Set priorities and oversee hands‑on execution to drive technical direction.
• Serve as technical focal point and partner with AI SME on deliveries and emerging tech.
• Identify AI‑driven software integration opportunities with leadership guidance.
• Perform line management: staffing, mentoring, direction, and admin duties.
• Manage a team of 6–10 developers, providing technical guidance and hands‑on support.
• Contribute to recruiting and hiring efforts to build technical talent.

Skills

Leadership experience

Software development lifecycle

Python/C++/Java

DevSecOps / Agile

Security clearance capable

Mentoring team

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

CI/CD pipelines

Cloud platforms

AI/ML frameworks

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 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.

Software Implementation and Integration Department (SIID) is looking for a Software Engineering Section Manager. We are seeking a talented technical professional who's ready to grow into their first management role or an early-career manager eager to make an impact leading a team of innovative engineers and technical professionals. This is an exciting opportunity to transition from an individual contributor to a leader while working on solutions that directly support critical national security missions. You'll combine your technical expertise with developing leadership skills to guide a collaborative team in designing, developing, and deploying advanced software systems.

You’ll have the support and mentorship you need to succeed as a manager while leading meaningful work that matters. We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about technology, excited about developing others, and ready to grow alongside a team dedicated to excellence and innovation.

If you’re energetic, take initiative, and have a passion for both technology and people, this role is ideal for you!

The selected candidate will be required to work full‑time, on‑site at our facility in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Architect, develop, and deploy AI‑driven software capabilities and systems to customer mission networks
• Design and build AI‑driven software in collaboration with technical leaders to support mission operations
• Integrate AI capabilities by leveraging cross‑department resources to deliver end‑to‑end solutions
• Champion innovation and drive technical direction for the team by establishing priorities and overseeing hands‑on execution
• Serve as the department’s technical focal point and partner with the department’s AI subject matter expert for AI‑driven software deliveries, integrations, and emerging technologies
• Identify and execute on AI‑driven software integration opportunities in collaboration with leadership, translating strategic vision into technical solutions
• Conduct line management functions including staffing, mentoring, establishing technical direction and standards, allocating staff support, performing administrative duties, and communicating with upper management regarding technical and programmatic issues
• Manage a team of 6–10 developers, providing technical guidance, reviews, and hands‑on problem‑solving support
• Contribute to recruiting and hiring efforts to build technical talent on the team

What You Need To Be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Manager – Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning:

• Bachelors degree in STEM with emphasis in Data Science, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field(s)
• 6 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience as a software engineer, software developer, or AI/ML researcher in any domain
• Demonstrated ability to lead, advise, and provide direction to subordinate team.
• Proficient technical background with experience across the software/systems development lifecycle: requirements, design, coding, testing, and integration.
• Hands‑on experience with modern software development including programming (Python, C/C++, Java, or similar), development tools, and contemporary practices like DevSecOps or agile
• Proven ability to take initiative and successfully complete tasks, lead complex technical projects, and collaborate effectively (verbal and written communication).
• Proven ability to lead and mentor team members while providing clear direction
• 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 had one or more of these:

• Experience in defense, aerospace, intelligence, or mission‑critical systems
• Expertise in modern technical areas like: AI/ML, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Architecture
• A genuine interest in developing people, building teams, and creating positive work environments through leadership, formal or informal.
• Active TS/SCI security 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 that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

Min – Max

$147,600.00 – $221,400.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• 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.