AATC Cybersecurity Systems Engineer

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI); Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is looking for a Cybersecurity Systems Engineer to support cyber resilience at the AATC in Tucson, AZ. This role requires a minimum of 10 years in avionics/cybersecurity and the candidate will act as a Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert.

Key responsibilities include leading cybersecurity processes, ensuring compliance with security standards, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. An IAM or IAT Level 3 certification is required and must have excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years working in avionics and/or cybersecurity.
• Minimum 5 years working in weapon systems/avionics cybersecurity.
• IAM or IAT Level 3 cyber certification required.
• Experience with DoD COMSEC management.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert for AATC.
• Lead the Authorization Official's Authorization to Operate (ATO) process.
• Drive implementation of the DoD Risk Management Framework.
• Conduct comprehensive threat modeling and vulnerability analyses.
• Design and execute operational cybersecurity test events.

Skills

Avionics experience

Cybersecurity expertise

Analytical skills

Team leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in technical discipline

Tools

Risk Management Framework (RMF)

NIST SP 800-53 controls

Mission-based Risk Assessment Process for Cyber (MRAP-C)

Job description

MTSI is seeking a Cybersecurity Systems Engineer who will be responsible for supporting and reporting on the cyber resilience of systems in the fast-paced, streamlined flight test environment of the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC) in Tucson, AZ. Candidate will perform cyber security related test support for the latest Air Reserve Component (ARC) operational flight programs across platforms and weapon systems. Your efforts will enable the integration and operation of these new systems for test events and eventual technology transition. You will directly support AATC in Tucson, AZ.

Duties Will Include But Are Not Limited To

• Serve as an on-site Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert for AATC in Tucson, AZ, providing expert technical guidance to secure advanced aviation platforms and related weapon systems against adversarial threats.
• Participate in AATC’s Concept Reviews, Test Kickoffs, and other relevant meetings and processes related to cybersecurity within the test center to provide cybersecurity SME support and act in specific cyber roles (e.g., ISSM) as needed.
• Lead and execute the Authorization Official's Authorization to Operate (ATO) process (typically Aircraft AO), ensuring critical weapon systems and aircraft modifications meet stringent security baselines prior to operational tests and deployment. Manage external cyber surge teams as required.
• Drive the implementation, assessment, and continuous monitoring of the DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF) and NIST SP 800-53 security and privacy controls across complex, embedded weapon system architectures in various security levels.
• As needed, conduct comprehensive threat modeling and vulnerability analyses utilizing the Mission-based Risk Assessment Process for Cyber (MRAP-C) and Mission Based Cyber Risk Assessment (MBCRA) methodologies to evaluate mission impact and prioritize system survivability.
• Design, plan, and execute rigorous operational cybersecurity test events in strict adherence to Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) requirements, ensuring platforms can operate effectively in highly contested cyber environments. Manage certified and other cyber test teams (e.g., 48th, 177th, industry teams).
• Collaborate with test directors, systems engineers, program managers, and other relevant stakeholders to integrate cybersecurity requirements and survivability assessments seamlessly into broader operational test and evaluation (OT&E) plans.
• Translate complex cybersecurity test findings into actionable recommendations for military leadership and program offices, effectively communicating cyber risks to aircraft operations and mission lethality.
• Understand the operation and tactical applications of Air Reserve Component (ARC) systems and their interfaces with Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve aircraft and systems as the candidate will operate in fast paced teams of industry, government and military personnel consisting of engineers, analysts, scientists, pilots, and aircrew.
• Directly support AATC in the development of advanced combat systems from cradle to grave in an independent, high-energy environment and will operate in multidisciplinary teams of industry, government and military personnel consisting of engineers, analysts, scientists, pilots and other aircrew.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years working in avionics and/or cybersecurity.
• Minimum 5 years working in weapon systems/avionics cybersecurity as an ISSM, ISSO, or ISSE.
• IAM or IAT Level 3 cyber certification (e.g., CISSP, CISM, or equivalent).
• Experience with DoD COMSEC management.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills, and the ability to work in a team environment while demonstrating excellent leadership and customer interaction.
• Strong analytic skills and be capable of operating in a multi-tasking environment.
• Possess a can-do attitude and be self-starting, ambitious, and hard-working.
• Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record.

Desired Skills

• Experience with aircraft systems/software test and development to include test provisioning/scheduling, test execution, data analysis, and reporting.
• Related Program Office experience driving cyber approval processes.
• Experience networking with Authorizing Officials (AO) and Security Control Assessors (SCA) to identify programmatic barriers and facilitate approvals.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in technical discipline, preferably in cybersecurity engineering or computer science.

Clearance Requirements

• Active Secret security clearance required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) eligibility and meet requirements for Special Access Programs (SAP).

Travel Requirements

• Travel is expected approximately every month with periodic, mostly intraweek trips to support AATC projects. Up to 25% travel, depending on program workload and project location.