Secure Systems Engineer – Cyber Architecture & Edge Security

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.

We are seeking an experienced cybersecurity professional to serve as a Secure Systems Engineer (Information Security Staff V), supporting the architecture and engineering of secure, resilient systems across our enterprise IT, edge computing, and operational technology (OT) landscape. In this role, you will embed security into the software development lifecycle, strengthen network defenses at the network edge, and champion automation and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices across engineering teams. You will join a team of cybersecurity professionals chartered with securing complex aerospace environments and recognized as leaders within the aerospace security community.

What You'll Be Doing

• Partnering with software engineering teams to embed secure software development practices throughout the SDLC, including design, build, and release phases
• Assessing and strengthening network security controls with particular emphasis on edge computing architectures and distributed/remote deployments
• Maintaining working awareness of Operational Technology (OT) systems and their distinct risk considerations within a niche aerospace environment
• Applying programming familiarity to begin contributing to and eventually lead software review initiatives, identifying security weaknesses in application logic
• Leveraging a strong technical IT background to architect, troubleshoot, and secure systems across hybrid, cloud, and on-prem environments
• Advancing automation and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) adoption to improve consistency, repeatability, and security of deployments
• Supporting the development of secure testing methodologies and contributing to threat modeling exercises (e.g., STRIDE, PASTA, DREAD) as expertise matures
• Producing clear, thorough technical documentation to support audits, knowledge transfer, and engineering standards
• Staying current on cybersecurity laws, regulations, and risk management frameworks (e.g., NIST) relevant to aerospace and defense
• Coordinating with SOC, IT operations, and engineering stakeholders on architectural security matters and emerging threats
• Mentoring junior staff and sharing engineering/security expertise across the cybersecurity team
• Remaining informed on emerging secure development, automation, and AI-assisted engineering trends

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements

• 10+ years of professional IT/cybersecurity experience
• 5 + years of experience in network security, with specific experience or strong working knowledge of edge computing architectures
• Demonstrated, informed use of AI-assisted coding tools, with the ability to validate, understand, and take ownership of AI-generated code
• Familiarity with Operational Technology (OT) environments and their unique security considerations
• Working programming familiarity (language-agnostic) sufficient to engage meaningfully in code reviews
• Strong technical IT background — systems administration, networking, infrastructure engineering, or similar hands-on experience
• Practical experience with automation and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools and principles (e.g., Terraform, Ansible, CloudFormation, or similar)
• Ability to work collaboratively across engineering, IT, and security teams on complex technical initiatives
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a US Secret security clearance, issued by the US 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 the following:

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems
• Familiarity with AI/ML model development concepts and lifecycle
• Experience in secure testing and development methodologies (e.g., SAST/DAST, secure code scanning, penetration testing fundamentals)
• Familiarity with threat modeling frameworks such as STRIDE, PASTA, or DREAD
• General awareness of NIST frameworks and risk management guidance (candidates from government or private sector backgrounds are encouraged to apply — deep compliance framework experience, such as CMMC, is a plus but not required)
• Familiarity with applicable cybersecurity laws and regulations
• Experience operating in niche or highly specialized OT environments (aerospace, defense, industrial control systems)
• Relevant certifications such as Security+, CySA+, GSEC, CISSP, or equivalent
• Track record of mentoring junior engineers or contributing to team-wide technical standards
• Current and active Secret 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)

$152,000.00 - $228,000.00

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.