Principal Director, Cyberspace Systems and Security (CS3)

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 non-profit 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 platforms and architecture, advanced cloud and edge infrastructure, cybersecurity, and full-stack engineering through mission-focused, collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams. These teams leverage hands-on prototyping and applied R&D to support customers, deliver architectures, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies into real-world mission environments.

We are seeking an innovative and visionary leader to grow and lead ISCD's Cyberspace Systems and Security (CS3) subdivision. This organization is the corporation's focal point for space-relevant cyber combat readiness, cyber systems engineering, and hands-on cyber technology innovation—advancing offensive and defensive cyber capabilities, hardened systems architectures, and the application of disruptive technologies—including AI, automation, and emerging computing paradigms—to cybersecurity to protect the nation's most critical space assets. CS3 engineers, researchers, and operators work across national security, civil, and commercial space programs to prototype novel capabilities, stress-test real systems against real adversaries, and transition breakthrough technology directly into the hands of the warfighter and mission operator.

Aerospace's leadership in this domain extends well beyond our own walls. CS3 staff represent the corporation as a founding member of the Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Space ISAC), lead in the DEF CON Aerospace Village, and help drive premier community events including CyberSat and Hack-A-Sat—shaping how the broader space and cyber communities think about resilience, threat intelligence, and adversarial testing for space systems. This is a rare opportunity to lead an organization that is simultaneously a trusted government partner and a recognized voice in the global space-cyber community.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of cybersecurity and resilient space systems while leading a growing organization of engineers, researchers, and technical innovators. The Principal Director will work directly with senior government and industry leaders to identify emerging mission needs, develop new technical capabilities, and accelerate the transition of research and advanced prototypes into operational solutions. Success requires a leader who combines technical depth, strategic vision, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a passion for developing people and organizations.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA or El Segundo, CA and requires a minimum of 4 days per week onsite, with up to 15% travel to customer and other national sites.

What You'll Be Doing

The Principal Director of CS3 will lead this subdivision's strategic vision and hands-on technical direction—spanning cyber combat readiness, cyber systems engineering, and applied cyber technology innovation—for space, ground, and user-segment systems supporting the nation's most important national security missions. This leader will expand Aerospace's role in national security cyberspace, integrating offensive and defensive cyber research, rigorous systems engineering, and operational technology transition, while building partnerships across the company, government, and the broader cyber community to advance the state of the art.

The CS3 organization serves as:

• A technical integrator, bringing together cybersecurity, secure software, cloud and edge architectures, and advanced systems engineering to deliver resilient mission capabilities for space systems.
• A mission accelerator, translating emerging technologies, applied research, and rapid prototypes into practical, hands-on solutions for government and commercial customers—stress-tested against real-world adversary tradecraft.
• A trusted strategic and community partner, working across the DoD, Intelligence Community, civil space, industry, and the broader cyber space community to shape the next generation of secure and resilient space systems.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities will include:

• Build the organizational vision, strategy, and technical roadmap for CS3, aligned with a broad mission portfolio and Aerospace's broader research priorities.
• Lead the development of innovative cyber combat, cyber systems engineering, and cyber technology capabilities purpose-built for space systems—including offensive and defensive tradecraft, secure software architectures, zero-trust approaches, and resilient cloud/edge systems for spacecraft, ground, and user-segment architectures.
• Champion the exploration and adoption of disruptive technologies—including AI/ML, automation, and next-generation computing—to strengthen cyber defense, accelerate threat detection, and outpace adversary innovation across space mission systems.
• Advance the use and evolution of Aerospace's own SPARTA framework and other space-specific threat models to guide adversary emulation, red-teaming, and resilience engineering across customer missions.
• Partner directly with DoD, Intelligence Community, civil space (e.g., NASA), and commercial customers to identify high-impact mission opportunities and deliver differentiated, hands-on technical solutions.
• Represent Aerospace and CS3 in leading community forums—including Space ISAC, DEF CON Aerospace Village, and CyberSat—to shape industry standards and expand Aerospace's role as a thought leader in space cybersecurity.
• In partnership with the larger engineering division, develop new business opportunities and technical partnerships that expand Aerospace's impact across the national security and commercial space enterprises.
• Guide research, prototyping, and hands-on technology transition efforts that accelerate the adoption of advanced cyber combat, cyber engineering, and cyber innovation capabilities into operational mission environments.
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary organization of more than 120 engineers, researchers, and technical professionals spanning cyber combat, systems engineering, and applied innovation disciplines, fostering technical excellence, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Energize a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture that encourages hands-on innovation, technical excellence, and cross-division impact.

What You Need to Be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Principal Director, Cyberspace Systems and Security:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related STEM field.
• 12 or more years of experience with demonstrated impact in cybersecurity, secure software systems, cloud computing, resilient architectures, or related advanced technology domains.
• Demonstrated leadership of complex technical organizations, including multidisciplinary engineering teams supporting government or national security missions.
• Strong understanding of modern cybersecurity technologies and architectures, including offensive and defensive cyber techniques, secure software development, cloud security, and system resilience.
• Technical experience in one or more of the following: space systems including command/control, ground, and user segments; multi-cloud/hybrid environments; adversary emulation or cyber red-team/blue-team disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience translating emerging technologies, research, or prototypes into operational capabilities and mission solutions through hands-on engineering.
• Strong experience in strategic planning, organizational development, and technical portfolio management.
• Demonstrated success building and leading high-performing teams and developing technical leaders.
• Experience developing new customer relationships, identifying mission opportunities, and contributing to business or portfolio growth.
• Excellent executive communication skills, with the ability to engage technical and nontechnical audiences, customers, and senior organizational leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, challenge conventional approaches, and build alignment across complex stakeholder environments.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites (approximately 10–15%).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance (TS/SCI level and higher). 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 the following:

• Experience leading cyber combat, offensive/defensive cyber operations, and/or wargaming organizations supporting national security space missions.
• Direct experience with DoD, Intelligence Community, NASA, or other federal space and defense customers.
• Hands-on understanding of disruptive and emerging technologies—such as AI/ML-enabled cyber defense, automated security operations, zero-trust architectures, and resilient distributed systems—applied to space platforms.
• Active engagement with the space-cyber community, such as Space ISAC, DEF CON Aerospace Village, CyberSat, Hack-A-Sat, or similar organizations.
• Experience advancing research and development capabilities through prototyping, experimentation, and hands-on transition into operational missions.
• Demonstrated success expanding technical portfolios, establishing strategic customer partnerships, and creating new business opportunities.
• Experience leading organizational transformation or building new technical organizations in complex, multidisciplinary environments.
• Relevant advanced degree, technical certifications, or recognized contributions to cybersecurity, offensive security, or space systems engineering.
• Current and active TS/SCI/SAP 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)

$224,000.00 - $336,000.00

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.