Cybersecurity System Engineer - Space Force Cyber and Data

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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

As the Cybersecurity Systems Engineer for Space Force Cyber and Data you will lead innovative cyber efforts, contribute to the body of knowledge and practice for customer domains of expertise, and transition new ideas and technology to DoD’s programs and operations in support of the Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Cyber and Data (HQSF/S6) responsible for executing the complete structural transition of the service’s digital architecture into a standardized, mission-focused warfighting domain.  Additionally, you will provide Systems Engineering capabilities in the cyber domain that meet long-term technical and engineering needs with independence and objectivity to ensure complex systems meet operational requirements, prioritization of system-of-systems engineering capabilities, testing and verification of performance, integration and interoperability of new capabilities, evaluation of programs and activities undertaken by for-profit organizations, and transfer of new technology to the private sector.  The selected candidate will work within Aerospace DSG’s Pentagon and Multi-Domain Division and partner closely with the Portfolio Analysis Department in the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at the Pentagon and/or the Aerospace facility in Crystal City, VA.   

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Lead customer tasking for enterprise-wide security architecture concepts aligned with organizational mission objectives through the system development lifecycle.
• Defining innovative approaches for developing and enforcing security policies, standards, and governance frameworks across the organization.
• Managing Aerospace Engineering Technology Group project teams built for specific customer task needs.
• Communicating security strategies, risks, and requirements to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Applying systems security engineering principles to understand how threats attack systems and corresponding cybersecurity are implemented to manage risk.
• Utilizing knowledge of existing security reference architectures, patterns, and reusable security solutions for innovative customer solutions that consider system performance, usability, and cost.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer – Cybersecurity and Cloud Computing Architecture:

• Bachelor’s in STEM, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or similar technical area of study.
• 8 or more years of increasing responsible experience in system security engineering
• Experience leading cross-functional technical teams and security initiatives
• Comfortable connecting with military personnel/organizations
• Initiative, flexibility and be able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Mature interpersonal skills and be well adept at oral and written communication
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects

• Knowledge of space system unique cybersecurity considerations, requirements, and technology
• Proven ability to translate complex technical security concepts to less-technical stakeholders

• Willing to travel domestically on occasion when required by the customer, approx. <10% (as required)  
• 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.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Sr. Project Engineer - Cybersecurity and Cloud Computing Architecture

include:

• 12 or more years of increasing responsible experience in systems security engineering
• Capable of independently managing complex projects, lead technical teams, and spearhead new efforts
• Provide mentorship and strategic oversight to junior engineering staff, fostering professional growth and ensuring alignment with aerospace industry standards and organizational goals

How you can stand out

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

• Advanced degree with applicability to systems security engineering
• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

• Experience with space systems, including familiarity with space, ground, link, and user segments
• Knowledge of space system cybersecurity requirements and technology
• Adept knowledge of security architecture frameworks and compliance expectations
• An understanding of the principles for defense-in-depth, zero trust, or secure-by-design.
• Knowledge of systems engineering lifecycle processes and associated security integration considerations.
• Understanding assurance methods including verification, validation, testing, and evaluation.
• Knowledge of security technologies that implement system capabilities.
• Experience with U.S. Space Force, DoD CIO, or CCMD cyber capabilities and/or customers
• Experience briefing senior Government leaders (General Officer and/or SES) is highly desirable
• Possess a thorough understanding of the roles played by the Office of the Secretary of War; the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force; the United States Space Force, U.S. Space Command; the space system program offices; the defense agencies; the Joint Staff; and other government organizations in the acquisition, management, and operation of the national security space enterprise
• A current and active TS/SCI with SAP accesses security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, is strongly preferred. U.S citizenship is required to obtain 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)

$129,000.00 - $249,600.00

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.