Space Vehicle Defense Cybersecurity Project Engineer

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 offensive and 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 Vehicle Defense Cybersecurity Project Engineer to advance critical Space Vehicle Defense (SVD) initiatives within the CCD. This role primarily supports the U.S. Space Force's (USSF) 6th Sustainment Squadron (6 STS) and Mission Delta 6 by advancing on-board cybersecurity capabilities that protect space vehicles from cyber-physical threats across the orbital, link, and terrestrial segments. You will serve as a technical authority and task leader for SVD capability development, evaluation, integration, and operational deployment, ensuring space vehicles maintain confidentiality, integrity, and availability in contested, degraded, and operationally limited environments. This position plays a vital role in implementing defensive cyberspace warfare measures that preserve friendly space capabilities and deny adversaries the ability to exploit space systems through cyberspace attacks, directly contributing to space superiority as defined in Space Force doctrine.

This is a full-time position based 100% onsite in Colorado Springs, CO.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advance Space Vehicle Defense Programs: Serve as Project Engineer and technical authority for Mission Delta 6 and 6 STS Space Vehicle Defense initiatives within a lab environment, managing the development, evaluation, and integration of on-board intrusion detection systems (IDS), autonomous detection and response capabilities, and other SVD technologies that protect space vehicles from cyber threats across all three space segments (orbital, link, terrestrial).
• Develop and Evaluate SVD Capabilities: Conduct purple team testing, integrate SVD capabilities with ground-based Defensive Cyber Operations – Space (DCO-S) program tools and systems, and create an end-to-end cyber view of space systems
• Advance On-Orbit SVD Demonstrations: Provide technical leadership and hands-on support for on-orbit technology demonstrations.
• Inform SVD Requirements and Standards: Partner with SSC/SSIO to publish SVD requirements, best practices, and ensure adoption and accreditation of SVD capabilities; document NIST SP 800-53 control coverage for SVD technologies to support Authorizing Officials in meeting Space Vehicle Cybersecurity Requirements mandated by SPD-5, DoDI 8500.01, DoDI 8510.01, and CNSSI 1253.
• Exercise Mission Command and Deliver Results: Operate strategically as a technical authority and consultant, engage with impact across government and industry partners, lead change in SVD capability development, foster innovation in space cybersecurity, and deliver measurable results that enhance the cyber survivability of space vehicles in a dynamic, contested space environment where cyberspace warfare is critical to maintaining space superiority.

What You Need to be Successful –

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.
• 6 or more years of relevant experience in cybersecurity, space systems engineering, embedded systems security, software development, industrial control systems, or similar fields with demonstrated progression in technical leadership and project engineering.
• Proven leadership experience as a technical authority, project engineer, or program leader managing technical teams and junior staff in a lab environment.
• In-depth understanding of space vehicle defense and cyberspace warfare domains as they apply to space operations, including:
  • Space vehicle cybersecurity across orbital, link, and terrestrial segments
  • On-board intrusion detection systems (IDS) and autonomous cyber defense for spacecraft
  • Defensive cyberspace operations (DCO) and cyber assessments for space systems
  • Space system architectures, command and control systems, telemetry, tracking, and commanding (TT&C)
  • Joint and USSF cyberspace policy, doctrine, authorities, and operations
  • NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-160, DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF), and space cybersecurity requirements
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to influence and coordinate across multi-disciplinary teams, FFRDCs, industry partners, program offices, operational units, and senior stakeholders in a joint, Intelligence Community, and civil space agencies.
• Experience supporting mission-critical organizational goals related to national security, space operations, space vehicle development, and advanced cyber operations in support of combatant commands or operational forces.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technology evaluation, integration, and transition efforts from laboratory environments through operational deployment.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations, customer sites, or integration facilities domestically up to approximately 20%.
• This position requires the 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 (Master's or Ph.D.) in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with both defensive and offensive cyberspace operations in high-stakes, contested environments, particularly within DoD, Space Force, or Intelligence Community space mission operations. 
• Proven track record in successfully managing large-scale cyberspace operations projects, space mission support initiatives, or similar high-impact programs supporting operational forces or combatant commands.
• Possession of advanced cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, OSCP, CEH) or specialized training in cyberspace warfare, threat intelligence, space systems security, or offensive/defensive cyber operations.
• Prior experience collaborating with U.S. Space Force, DoD, USCYBERCOM, USSPACECOM, Intelligence Community, or other national security agencies in support of space operations or space control missions.
• Familiarity with Space Force concepts, doctrine, mission command principles, and the integration of cyberspace operations as an enterprise function enabling space superiority.
• Current TS/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain Special Access Program (SAP) clearances, which is issued by the U.S. government.

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 - $193,500.00

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.