Associate Director – Cyberspace Innovation

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. 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 a unique engineering division partnering across the full space enterprise to advance next-generation digital solutions and software-enabled mission capabilities. With customers spanning the DoD, Intelligence Community (IC), civil and commercial space, ISCD blends expertise in software architecture, AI/ML systems, data fabric/architecture, advanced cloud and edge platforms, cybersecurity, and full-stack engineering through mission-focused, collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams. These collaborative teams leverage hands-on prototyping and applied R&D to support customer concepts, software architecture and development, and integration of the latest digital technology solutions. By bringing multi-disciplinary technical insight to critical space missions, ISCD is positioned at the forefront of innovative software and technology for excited new ways to make real-world impact. Aerospace’s Cyberspace Systems & Security Subdivision (CS3) is seeking an Associate Director – Cyberspace Innovation to shape the future of cybersecurity for space systems. This role combines strategic planning, business development, technical leadership, and stakeholder engagement to pioneer AI-enabled cybersecurity solutions across Aerospace and the broader space enterprise. As a key leader within the subdivision, you will have ownership of critical product lines and capabilities while providing strategic guidance that extends beyond departmental boundaries. You will work closely with government agencies, program offices, prime contractors, commercial vendors, and internal teams to develop comprehensive strategies that leverage artificial intelligence to enhance cybersecurity operations. A core aspect of this role is influencing and shaping customer mission requirements toward AI-enabled tasking, identifying emerging opportunities at the AI-cyber intersection, and translating strategic vision into actionable technical solutions that drive both departmental growth and subdivision-wide innovation. This is a fulltime position 4 days/week onsite in El Segundo, CA. What You'll Be Doing Develop, hire, lead, and mentor a team of cybersecurity professionals, including experts in AI-enabled cyber operations, machine learning security, and innovative cyber solutions. Define and drive the strategic vision for AI and cybersecurity initiatives across space and related defense domains, ensuring alignment with broader Aerospace mission support. Provide strategic leadership support across the entire CS3 subdivision, triaging hiring needs, technical reviews where needed, as well as general staff alignment and work shaping. Collaborate with interagency partners including DoD, Intelligence Community, and Civil Space (E.g., NASA) to formulate and execute strategies that leverage AI capabilities to counter emerging cyber threats. Champion the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies into cyber operations, helping influence and shape customer requirements toward Ai-enabled tasking and solutions. Oversee the evolution of cyber innovations strategy, incorporating cutting-edge AI technologies and innovative tactics to enhance cyber capabilities and mitigate emerging risks. Direct and review products including Analysis of Alternatives, Proof-of-Concept prototypes, and AI/ML model evaluations to validate emerging techniques and inform decision makers. Provide thought leadership at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, integrating insights from machine learning, threat intelligence, and vulnerability assessment to create actionable, intelligence-driven solutions. Cultivate a high-performance and collaborative environment that attracts and develops top talent in AI and cyber domains while maintaining strong cross-functional and interdepartmental relationships. What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements for the Associate Director - Cyber Innovations Department Bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, electrical engineering, or a related STEM discipline. 10 or more years’ experience in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, systems engineering, software development, or related fields. Proven leadership experience overseeing technical teams in cyber operations, AI/ML development or utilization, and/or defense-oriented projects. Strong understanding of key cyber and AI domains including: AI and machine learning applications in cybersecurity Defensive and offensive cyber operations AI model security, adversarial machine learning, and AI threat landscapes Emerging technologies at the intersection of AI and cyber warfare Demonstrated ability to influence strategy and requirements across multiple teams and organizational levels. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate and influence across teams, departments, and with external stakeholders. Experience supporting mission critical organizational goals, including those related to national security and advanced cyber operations. Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site approx. 20% of the time 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 (Master's or Ph.D.) in Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science, or a related field. Hands-on experience developing and deploying AI/ML solutions for cybersecurity applications in high-stakes environments, particularly within government or defense sectors. Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing innovative AI-enabled cyber strategies and capabilities. Experience with AI security challenges including adversarial machine learning, model robustness, AI red teaming, or AI safety and alignment. Proven track record in successfully managing cross-functional projects or initiatives that span multiple departments or organizational units. Possession of advanced cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, GIAC) and/or AI/ML credentials, or specialized training in AI-enabled cyber operations. Prior experience collaborating with DoD, Intelligence Community, or other national security agencies on AI or emerging technology initiatives is highly desirable. Current TS/SCI with the ability to obtain SAP clearances, which is issued by the US government. Experience in strategic planning and requirements development that shapes customer mission needs and technology adoption. 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) $196,200.00 - $294,200.00 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .