Space Systems Cybersecurity and Assessments Project Leader

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 Cyberspace Combat Department (CCD) within the Cyberspace Systems Security Subdivision (CS3) is at the forefront of defending our Nation's interests in, from, and to the space domain. Our team of leading cybersecurity professionals specializes in defensive cyber operations, space-focused cyber assessments, reverse engineering, and exploit development to ensure cyberspace superiority in support of space control operations. We integrate cutting-edge technologies with deep expertise in cyber warfare to deliver combat-credible capabilities that enable the Joint warfighter to achieve space superiority.

We are seeking a Space Systems Cybersecurity and Assessments Project Leader to serve as a technical authority primarily supporting National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and US Space Force (USSF) missions. In this role, you will work with both internal and external customers as a technical authority, consultant, primary investigator, and project engineer for space-focused cybersecurity initiatives. You will lead technical evaluations of cyber capabilities for Industrial Control Systems/Operational Technology (ICS/OT), space systems, and ground infrastructure while deploying and maintaining advanced cybersecurity tools and platforms that protect national security space systems from cyber threats. This position requires expertise in space systems cybersecurity, cyber assessments, security tool deployment, and emerging defensive cyber technologies. You will interface between customers and Aerospace technical and management staff, mentor less experienced personnel, and drive innovation in space cybersecurity operations.

This is a full-time position based 100% onsite in Chantilly, VA with a need to travel up to 15%.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Deploy and Maintain Cybersecurity Tools: Administer and configure Elastic-based security platforms; build, deploy, and maintain containerized applications using Podman; develop and update automation code (primarily Python) for cyber operations.
• Conduct Space-Focused Cyber Assessments: Perform vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and security evaluations; conduct analyses of alternatives and requirement gathering for capability development decisions.
• Support Space Vehicle Cyber Defense: Apply knowledge of emerging space vehicle cyber defense capabilities, electronic warfare support (ES), spacecraft commanding and telemetry to advance defensive cyber operations.
• Lead Machine Learning Operations: Support building, testing, and verifying machine learning models for cyber threat detection and analysis.
• Manage Projects and Coordinate with Stakeholders: Lead technical teams; coordinate with vendors and government stakeholders to deploy cybersecurity capabilities across the enterprise; interface between customers and Aerospace staff.
• Foster Innovation and Mentorship: Exhibit innovation and out-of-the-box thinking to solve complex cybersecurity challenges; mentor less experienced staff.

What You Need to be Successful – Space Systems Cybersecurity and Assessment Engineering Project Leader

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related STEM discipline.
• 6+ years of increasingly responsible professional experience in cybersecurity or space systems security, including systems engineering and/or program management experience.
• Security+ or DoD 8140-compliant certification (e.g., SEC+, CEH, GIAC) meeting DoD Cyber Workforce Program requirements.
• Proven experience with Intelligence Community (IC) and space systems cybersecurity.
• Technical expertise in:
  • Administering and configuring Elastic
  • Commonly used offensive cyber tools, such as those found in Kali
  • Building, deploying, and maintaining containers using Podman
  • Developing Python code for automation and security tools
  • Cloud configuration and troubleshooting
• Strong analytical skills for requirement gathering, technical assessments, and analyses of alternatives.
• Demonstrated ability to establish effective working relationships with customers and stakeholders.
• High level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative with out-of-the-box mindset.
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site approx. 15% of the time if required.
• This position requires an active TS/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain Special Access Program (SAP) clearances, which is issued by the U.S. government.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Offensive security certifications: OSCP, CEH, GPEN, or similar penetration testing certifications.
• Extensive Machine Learning expertise
• Knowledge of space system operations including ES, spacecraft commanding and telemetry
• Familiarity with ICS/OT security and emerging space vehicle cyber defense capabilities.
• Deep security expertise with hands-on assessment experience for ICS/OT and/or Space Missions.
• Experience with NRO, NSA, U.S. Space Force, USCYBERCOM, or other IC agencies.
• Knowledge of NIST SP 800-53, RMF, SPD-5, and space cybersecurity requirements.

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)

$120,800.00 - $181,100.00

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.