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 platforms and architecture, advanced cloud and edge infrastructure, cybersecurity, and full-stack engineering through mission-focused, collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams. These teams leverage hands-on prototyping and applied R&D to support customer concepts, digital architectures, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies into real-world mission environments. 

The Data-centric Platforms and Architectures Department within ISCD designs and develops data platforms and solutions that leverage AI and data science capabilities for a variety of civil and national security space customers. Join us to accomplish innovative work on modern data platforms and data-intensive cloud-native applications for the space enterprise.  

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Senior Backend Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain robust, scalable, production grade, and resilient applications and data platforms. The ideal candidate will be adept at building modular, independently deployable services using modern cloud technologies and development practices while leveraging AI platforms and integrating with agentic AI. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality software solutions and ensure operational excellence in a fast-paced, agile environment.  

This is a full-time position, requiring 100% onsite work primarily based in El Segundo, CA. Secondary work locations may include Chantilly, VA or Colorado Springs, CO.

What You'll Be Doing   

• Designing and delivering large-scale distributed systems that solve the space enterprise's most complex challenges, specializing in cloud-native, data-intensive architectures optimized for reliability, scalability, and performance. 

• 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. 

• Interfacing directly with customers to assess emerging needs and legacy environments, develop prioritized modernization roadmaps, and identify optimal applications for cloud and AI integration, communicating trade-offs clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. 

• Leveraging agentic AI to enhance data-drive software by developing innovative solutions that transform raw data into actionable insights. 

• Enhancing engineering quality and team capabilities through code and design reviews, establishing standards and best practices, and mentorship that foster technical growth and operational excellence. 

• Working closely with National Security Space, United States Space Force, and other customers. 

• Staying up-to-date with emerging data, cloud, and AI technologies; industry trends; and best practices. 

What You Need to be Successful   

Minimum Requirements:   Engineering Specialist - Software Architecture Engineering and Cloud Computing Architecture 

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering or other related STEM concentrations.  

• 8+ years of professional experience in software development, data engineering, software and data architecture development, or similar technical specializations.  

• Deep expertise in designing, developing, and implementing data-intensive cloud-native applications using programming languages such as Java, Python, or Go.  

• Proven ability to translate business requirements into technical specification and design documents.  

• Experience as a mentor, tech lead or leading an engineering team. 

• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site approx. if required.     

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance which is issued by the US Government. US 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 in Computer Science or other applicable STEM concentration.  

• Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance.  

• Proficiency in Generative AI and other AI services and tools (ex: LLM, MCP). 

• Experience creating and maintaining organizational data management policies, with knowledge of semantic data management or graph databases (e.g., Neo4J, AWS Neptune) 

• Deploying and maintaining of production software in different cloud platforms (ex: AWS, GCP, Azure) 

• An in-depth understanding of data integration tools, platforms, and pipelines (ex: Apache Airflow, Apache Spark, Denodo, or Palantir’s Warp Core). 

• Hands-on experience deploying and maintaining production software on Kubernetes or Kubernetes certification (e.g., CKAD)