Corporate Technical Fellow - Artificial Intelligence

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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Digital Innovation Division (DID) is accountable for generating and executing integrated strategies, providing governance, and managing internal investments associated with four technical pillars that form the foundation of Aerospace's digital transformation. As the Corporate Fellow for Artificial Intelligence, you will report directly to the General Manager, Digital Innovation Division, where you develop and lead the implementation of the corporate AI strategy partnering with stakeholders across the corporation. As a visionary leader with deep expertise in AI/ML technologies and applications, you will drive the corporate AI strategy - positioning the company to both deliver greatest value to our customers in their implementation and application of AI and leverage AI for greatest efficiency and effectiveness for our own internal activities.

Work Model: Hybrid 4 or more days a week on site; Chantilly / El Segundo / Colorado Springs

What You’ll Be Doing

• Collaborate across the corporation to establish and execute the strategy for Aerospace’s AI research and offerings in support to our myriad customers and business goals (key products include vision, direction, investment strategy and associated roadmaps)
• Partner across the company to align AI/ML efforts with overall strategy and business goals
• Lead coordinated external engagements on AI and ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels
• Build and lead a highly skilled workforce proficient in AI/ML technologies, empowering them to innovate and operate within Aerospace’s AI ecosystem.
• Establish a professional services team to support the AI/ML initiatives across the organization.
• Lead the establishment and maintenance of a robust AI governance framework and infrastructure

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science, or a related technical field
• 10 or more years of experience leading, researching, defining and implementing Data Science, AI or related strategies 
• Demonstrated deep understanding of cutting-edge AI/ML technologies, including but not limited to generative models (e.g., GPT, GANs), reinforcement learning (e.g., AlphaGo, DQN), transformer architectures, and the practical application of these models in real-world scenarios such as natural language processing, computer vision, or autonomous systems.
• Experience leading AI/ML initiatives, including research, development, governance or large-scale deployment of capabilities
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with a track record of building and empowering high-performing teams
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and engage with external stakeholders
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities with a focus on innovation and operational excellence
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, issued by the DOD. US citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• An advanced degree in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science, or a related technical field
• Expertise in AI/ML tools, MLOps frameworks, DataOps integration, and cloud infrastructures (on-premise and cloud)
• Strong understanding of data management platforms (DMPs), ethical AI practices, and best practices in AI/ML deployment
• Active and current DOD 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)

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.