Mission Cyber & AI Architect

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 fabric/architecture, advanced cloud and edge platforms, cybersecurity, and full-stack engineering through mission-focused, collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams. These collaborative teams leverage hands-on prototyping and applied R&D to support customer concepts, software architecture and development, and integration of the latest digital technology solutions. By bringing multi-disciplinary technical insight to critical space missions, ISCD is positioned at the forefront of innovative software and technology for excited new ways to make real-world impact.

Aerospace’s Cyberspace Systems & Security Subdivision (CS3) is seeking a Mission Cyber & AI Architect to work closely with key stakeholders including government agencies, prime contractors, commercial vendors, and internal teams to define and implement robust cybersecurity measures across complex systems.  You will facilitate the definition of security objectives, develop system security requirements and verification methods, and support mission-critical engineering decisions by providing a cybersecurity-informed perspective. Your work will ensure that security objectives, protection needs, assurance requirements, and risk management strategies are clearly defined, implemented, and validated.

This is a fulltime position 100% onsite in Colorado Springs, CO.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead security architecture development for ground and space mission systems.
• Define and implement zero-trust architecture and secure by design principles for next-generation space systems, translating security frameworks into deployable technical solutions.
• Develop and execute cybersecurity prototypes and testbeds that enable operational validation of security controls, thread scenarios, and defensive capabilities in realistic mission environments.
• Apply AI/ML-enabled threat detection and anomaly detection techniques to enhance monitoring, defensive operations, and security posture assessment for space and ground systems.
• Lead cross-functional engineering teams through full lifecycle security engineering – from requirements definition and architecture design through integration, testing, and operational deployment.
• Partner with national laboratories, research institutions, and industry partners to transition emerging security technologies and research outcomes into operational capabilities.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist - Cyber Security Architecture and Information Systems Security

• Bachelor's degree in STEM or in Information Security/Technology, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related subject area.
• 12 or more years of system security experience across multiple cybersecurity domains (applications security, defensive cyber operations, vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, network security, embedded systems security) with proven track record of delivering mission-critical security solutions.

• Hands-on experience designing and implementing security architectures using zero-trust principles, secure-by-design frameworks, or similar modern security paradigms.
• Experience with space systems security, satellite ground systems, or space network operations, including understanding of orbital environments and associated security challenges.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams through full lifecycle development, including requirements definition, architecture design, prototyping, integration, testing, and operational deployment.
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site approx. 20% of the time if required.
• Casual employment is normally for fewer than 20 hours a week, usually non-continuous, irregular, and infrequent
• 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

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

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, or Software Engineering.
• Current and active TS/SCI clearance
• Demonstrated experience as a Principal Investigator, technical lead, or program manager on federal cybersecurity programs (DoD, IC, DHS, or similar) with responsibility for technical execution and stakeholder engagement.
• Hands-on experience with AI/ML-based security solutions, including anomaly detection, threat classification, network traffic analysis, or behavioral modeling.

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)

$151,300.00 - $226,900.00

Pay Basis: Hourly

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.