Satellite Cybersecurity Architect

ENGIBEX; Henegouwen; Sur place; EUR 90 000 - 130 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

ENGIBEX, a Belgian engineering consultancy, is seeking a Satellite Cybersecurity Architect to secure on-board software and cryptographic key management across satellite platforms.

You will define secure development practices, establish secure boot, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to embed security by design, ensuring verification through V&V and ground-segment integration. English fluency required; CISSP/ECSS familiarity a plus.

Qualifications

• MSc, or PhD in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field.
• Solid experience in embedded systems security with hands-on knowledge of C and Python.
• Practical experience with secure boot, trusted execution, or hardware root-of-trust concepts.
• Solid understanding of cryptography fundamentals and key management practices (symmetric/asymmetric encryption, key exchange, PKI).
• Ability to lead technical discussions and communicate security decisions to multidisciplinary teams.

Responsabilités

• Define and own the satellite cybersecurity architecture across on-board software, units, and interfaces.
• Establish secure coding standards and SDLC practices for software teams.
• Design and implement secure boot and trusted execution methodologies across devices.
• Manage cryptographic keys: generation, distribution, storage, rotation, revocation.
• Perform threat modeling and risk assessments for satellite software and links.
• Ensure security requirements are traceable and verified through V&V processes.
• Collaborate with multiple engineering teams to embed security by design.
• Coordinate with operators and ground security teams for end-to-end security.

Connaissances

C programming

Python programming

Security architecture

Threat modeling

Vulnerability assessment

Communication skills

English fluency

Autonomy

Formation

MSc in Computer Science

PhD in Cybersecurity

Outils

Secure boot

Trusted execution

Hardware root-of-trust

HSM/TPM familiarity

TLS/DTLS

Description du poste

We are a Belgian engineering consulting firm that assists SMEs and large industrial organizations in bringing their innovation and R&D initiatives to life.

Job Description

We are seeking a talented and motivated Satellite Cybersecurity Architect to make sure the software we fly is secure by design and that our satellites cannot be compromised.

As Satellite Cybersecurity Architect, you will define and own the cybersecurity architecture across our satellite platforms: setting the secure development practices our software teams follow, designing and implementing mechanisms such as secure boot, and owning the strategy for how cryptographic keys are generated, distributed, stored, and rotated across the fleet. You will work closely with the Satellite Software Architect, Embedded Software Engineers, and EE/FPGA engineers to embed security into the architecture from the start rather than bolting it on afterwards, and with satellite operators and V&V teams to make sure security requirements are actually verified and hold up in operations.

Key Activities

• Define and own the satellite cybersecurity architecture, covering on-board software, unit-level firmware, and the interfaces between units.
• Establish secure coding standards and development best practices (e.g. secure SDLC, code review guidelines, static/dynamic analysis) and support software teams in applying them.
• Design and implement secure boot and trusted execution methodologies and flows across our on-board computers and units.
• Define and own the strategy and processes for cryptographic key management: generation, distribution, storage, rotation, and revocation across satellite platforms and missions.
• Perform threat modeling and security risk assessments on satellite software and communication links (TT&C, payload data links), and define mitigations.
• Define security requirements at satellite and unit level, and ensure they are traceable and verified through the V&V process.
• Collaborate with the Satellite Software Architect, Embedded Software Engineers, and FPGA/EE engineers to embed security into architectural and design decisions from the start.
• Coordinate with satellite operators and ground-segment IT security teams to make sure security is maintained consistently from on-board software to ground infrastructure.
• Stay current on emerging space cybersecurity threats and standards, and continuously improve security posture based on lessons learnt.

Profile / Requirements

Must Have

• MSc, or PhD degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field.
• Solid experience in embedded systems security, with hands-on knowledge of C and Python.
• Practical experience with secure boot, trusted execution, or hardware root-of-trust concepts.
• Solid understanding of cryptography fundamentals and key management practices (symmetric/asymmetric encryption, key exchange, PKI).
• Ability to lead technical discussions, structure trade-offs clearly, and communicate security decisions to multidisciplinary teams that may not have a security background.
• Ability to work across the hardware/software boundary.
• Demonstrated ability to work across teams to drive security practices to adoption with a high degree of autonomy.
• Good communication skills and fluency in English.

Nice To Have

• Experience in the space sector, or in another safety/security-critical embedded industry (automotive, defense, medical, industrial control systems).
• Familiarity with space cybersecurity standards and guidance (e.g. CCSDS security standards, ECSS-Q-ST-80, NIST SP 800-53/800-171, or equivalent).
• Experience with secure communication protocols for constrained or space links (e.g. CCSDS Space Data Link Security, TLS/DTLS for embedded systems).
• Familiarity with hardware security modules (HSMs), secure elements, or trusted platform modules (TPMs).
• Experience with penetration testing, fuzzing, or vulnerability assessment of embedded systems.
• Relevant certifications (e.g. CISSP, OSCP, GICSP or equivalent).

Why join us ?

We offer you a position as a consultant within the fascinating world of high tech and innovation. We provide a complete package with on one side training, coaching and a close follow-up, and on the other side a balanced salary package with fringe benefits based on your capabilities and experience.

Working with us means choosing a long-term perspective, development possibilities, and a personal approach. A human-centered, diverse company that values and supports your physical and mental well-being.