Windows Infrastructure-as-Code Systems Engineer

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 The Aerospace Corporation, we work at the intersection of cutting‑edge technology and national security. We partner with government, industry, and academia to solve some of the hardest technical problems in the space enterprise. As a DevOps Engineer specializing in Windows Infrastructure‑as‑Code (IaC), you will help design, build, and secure the systems that power mission‑critical space and national security programs.

We are seeking an experienced DevOps / Systems Engineer with robust expertise in enterprise Windows infrastructure and Infrastructure‑as‑Code. In this role, you will develop and support processes that provision and maintain secure, hardened servers across both large‑scale enterprise networks and standalone classified environments.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in designing, implementing, and managing enterprise server infrastructures with a focus on security best practices, automation, and disciplined, well‑tested DevOps development. You are committed to continuous learning and improvement in both DevOps and system administration practices.

Key responsibilities include

• Infrastructure Management: Develop, automate, and maintain secure server environments using IaC methodologies, ensuring robust configurations across diverse network settings.
• Collaboration & Support: Work closely with corporate IT teams and aerospace engineers to support scientific and engineering workloads critical to the success of national space assets.
• Documentation & Training: Create comprehensive documentation and train team members to enhance overall DevOps operations and system troubleshooting capabilities.
• Continuous Improvement: Advocate for and implement best practices in DevOps processes that prioritize security, efficiency, and scalability.

If you are a dedicated professional with strong communication skills and a proven record in enterprise system administration, we invite you to consider this opportunity to contribute to our mission-critical projects at the intersection of technology and national security.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in  El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leverage Infrastructure-as-Code to streamline the provisioning and configuration management of systems across diverse environments.
• Design, develop, and enhance robust Infrastructure-as-Code scripts to bolster system reliability and scalability.
• Implement security hardening measures, enforce compliance protocols, and automate remediation tasks to maintain a secure operational environment.
• Manage and optimize critical Windows services and infrastructure to ensure high performance across complex enterprise networks.
• Oversee and maintain large-scale virtual infrastructures, driving operational efficiency and seamless scalability.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Windows environments and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) ( Site Reliability Engineer Staff III) include:

• Bachelor's of Science in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field - or equivalent hands-on experience that demonstrates your technical expertise and innovative mindset is required.
• A minimum of (4) years of proven experience in managing enterprise Windows systems, including in-depth knowledge of system configuration, troubleshooting, and proactive security hardening in high-stakes environments is required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in writing and maintaining infrastructure-as-code using tools such as Puppet, PowerShell DSC, Terraform, Ansible, Python, or PowerShell, enabling streamlined and automated deployments.
• Hands-on experience applying IaC to automate system management and configuration, ensuring consistent, repeatable, and secure system provisioning.
• Solid understanding of Git repositories and modern software development workflows to enable collaborative, efficient code management and continuous integration processes.
• Practical experience with automated provisioning solutions, including tools like Terraform, Stacki, Cobbler, or Kickstart, driving efficiency in large-scale environments.
• This position requires a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Windows environments and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) (Site Reliability Engineer Staff IV)include:

• A minimum of (7) years of hands-on experience in managing enterprise Windows systems, including Active Directory, Group Policy administration, configuration, troubleshooting, and security hardening to maintain a secure operational environment, is required.
• Demonstrated strong programming skills in implementing infrastructure-as-code using tools such as Puppet, PowerShell DSC, Terraform, Ansible, Python, or PowerShell, enabling robust, repeatable automation.
• Proven ability to design and execute IaC strategies for automated system management and configuration in large-scale enterprise environments, ensuring reliability and scalability.
• A proven track record of influencing and leading cross-functional teams to achieve strategic objectives, driving collaboration and innovation across diverse business units.
• Strong leadership capabilities with experience mentoring and developing team members, fostering a collaborative and growth-focused work culture.

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

• Possession of recognized certifications in Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) and Operating Systems, underscoring your commitment to technical excellence and continuous professional development is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience provisioning new, secure systems across both large-scale enterprise environments and smaller, standalone networks, ensuring optimal security standards tailored to diverse operational needs is strongly desired.
• Proven track record in implementing and maintaining security accreditation processes, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory and industry standards.
• Skilled in provisioning Windows systems and implementing robust configuration management practices in full compliance with DISA STIG guidelines, reinforcing the security posture of complex IT environments is strongly preferred.

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)

$135,200.00 - $220,000.00

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

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 .