Technical Program Director Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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 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 Platforms and Architectures Department (DPAD) within the ISCD organization is looking for a dynamic, creative, and enthusiastic Technical Program Manager (TPM). This role involves direct interaction with our government stakeholders and mission sponsors, translating their needs and requirements into the delivery of software and data products. The ideal candidate will lead complex, cross-disciplinary programs that encompass data platforms, AI/ML systems, cloud infrastructure, and mission software. They will be responsible for driving programs from concept through architecture, delivery, and operational adoption. This includes taking ownership of outcomes related to architecture, execution, risk management, and delivery, all within a national security and mission-critical context.
This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA.
What You'll Be Doing - Technical Program Manager

• Strategic Technical Leadership:

• Collaborate with mission and program leads to identify operational needs and translate them into clear technical requirements, architectural patterns, and integrated system components.
• Partner with architects and senior engineers to shape system architectures, integration strategies, and technical tradeoffs.

• Lead cross-functional teams spanning data, AI, cybersecurity, and cloud domains to create a cohesive, interoperable technology ecosystem.

• Develop shared architectures, reusable components, and common services that accelerate multi-program integration and reduce time-to-field.

• Serve as the primary technical interface for senior leadership, mission executives, and program sponsors.

• Communicate complex technical concepts in simple, business-impact language to diverse audiences.

• Ensure that software solutions are modular, secure, scalable, and positioned for future capabilities.

• Oversee the development lifecycle with an eye for security, scalability, and adaptability to emerging technologies.

What You Need to be Successful

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data/Analytics, or related field.

• 10+ years of experience in leadership roles within data architecture and software engineering.

• Demonstrated experience in the following:
  • Modern software engineering practices (APIs, microservices, cloud-native systems)
  • Modern data architecture (data lakes/warehouses, data mesh/fabric, data products, streaming)
  • Federated governance models that let multiple organizations co-own a shared platform, setting common rules for data, security, and change.
• Proven ability to translate complex mission objectives into effective technical architectures.
• Exemplary ability to influence stakeholders and guide programs without direct authority, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams and subject matter experts (SMEs).
• 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

• Demonstrated experience with U.S. DoD, space, and intelligence programs.

• Experience in designing cyber-secure data architectures and implementing Zero Trust frameworks.
• Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP, or GovCloud equivalents)

• Familiarity with OPIR, SDA tracking missions, missile defense, and kill-chain acceleration is highly desirable.

• Knowledge of agentic AI, autonomous systems, and large-scale simulation (Mod&Sim).

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)
$171,400.00 - $257,100.00
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.