AATC Cybersecurity Systems Engineer

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. is hiring a Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert in Tucson, AZ. The role involves securing advanced aviation platforms and weapon systems against threats and leading critical security processes.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in avionics or cybersecurity, possess a valid IAM or IAT Level 3 certification, and maintain an Active Secret security clearance. Opportunities involve collaboration in multidisciplinary teams to develop advanced combat systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in avionics and/or cybersecurity.
• Minimum 5 years in weapon systems/avionics cybersecurity.
• Valid IAM or IAT Level 3 cyber certification required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as on-site Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert.
• Lead the ATO process ensuring security baselines.
• Conduct threat modeling and vulnerability analyses.

Skills

Avionics

Cybersecurity

Leadership

Analytic skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity engineering or computer science

Job description

Duties

• 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.

MTSI is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with physical and/or mental disabilities.