2026 Data Scientist

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 hiring a Data Scientist for the Data Science Artificial Intelligence Department (DSAID) in Information Systems Cyber Division (ISCD). The position will be full time, 100% onsite at our office in Chantilly, VA, Colorado Spring, CO or El Segundo, CA.

Job Summary

Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff work with 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.

DSAID consists of a diverse team of engineers, data scientists, and programmers with a passion for researching, prototyping, understanding, and building AI and data enabled tools across the space enterprise. We are a growing, innovative, and collaborative department providing technical expertise in AI and Machine Learning to many of Aerospace’s customers, such as the Missile Defense Agency, NASA, Space Development Agency and the National Reconnaissance Office. We apply data science, machine learning, and AI knowledge across the space enterprise, to Aerospace enterprise capabilities, and towards corporate workforce development and strategic focus areas.

Data Science and machine learning specialists work on teams spanning various disciplines, experience levels, and organizational boundaries.

What You’ll Be Doing

Developing and executing machine learning and data science experiments, in the domains of natural language processing, computer vision, time series analysis, reinforcement learning, etc.

Evaluating technologies and data science models for use in scalable and resilient mission-critical applications

Collaborating with teams of various sizes to deliver features and products

Presenting written and verbal results to customer stakeholders.

Reinforcing an environment of learning and progress with team members and others

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring

Strong written and oral communication skills

Must work well in a team environment

Possess organizational, time management and project management skills

Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need

Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university program in Computer Science, Data Science, or related discipline, pursuing or conferred within 12-14 months.

Minimum GPA of 3.0

0-1 year of industry work experience

Proficiency in Python

Experience with and understanding of machine learning and artificial intelligence, software engineering, and statistics

Familiarity with Unix/Linux operating systems

Willing to travel [occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically/internationally] approx. 10%.

This position requires the 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 (M.S. or Ph.D.) from an accredited college/university program in Computer Science, Data Science, or related discipline

GPA 3.5 or higher

Active security clearance

Strong leadership skills

Experience with cloud native application development or cloud infrastructure

Development of data platforms

Experience with data security and governance technologies

Microservice architectures

Distributed and stream data processing

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)

$95,000.00 - $140,000.00

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