Cyber Mission Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Paid holidays

Telework options

401(k) matching

Flexible spending

Variable pay

Relocation assistance

Education assistance

Professional development

Inclusive workplace

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Mission Cyber Architect to define and implement robust cybersecurity measures across complex space systems. This full-time, onsite role partners with government and industry to ensure secure mission operations.

Candidates should have a STEM degree and 8+ years in security, leadership experience, and an active TS/SCI clearance. Travel up to 30% and citizenship requirements apply. The team offers comprehensive benefits and relocation support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in STEM or Information Security/Technology, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity.
• 8+ years of system security experience across multiple cybersecurity domains (applications security, defensive cyber operations, vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, network security, embedded systems security) with proven track record of delivering mission‑critical security solutions.
• Experience leading cybersecurity teams and programs, with the ability to analyze complex problems and deliver effective solutions in high pressure environments that directly impact mission success.
• Active TS//SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Willing to travel locally and long distance to work locations or customer sites approx. 30% of the time if required.

Responsibilities

• Provide cybersecurity systems engineering support to government and contracted personnel in the areas of cyber security, cyber test and systems engineering.
• Support cyber engineering, design, implementation and monitoring for the protection of computer systems, networks and information throughout the system development lifecycle.
• Review and design security architecture for ground systems and provide recommendations on security improvements to the system's baseline.
• Identify and define system security requirements and develop detailed cybersecurity designs that align with and complement mission objectives.
• Identify and recommend strategies for mitigation and/or removal of ground and space cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
• Participate in program protection and risk management activities to ensure cybersecurity vulnerabilities are evaluated and effective mitigations applied in accordance with security directives.
• Provide cybersecurity expertise in support of critical decision points and provide ground truth assessments of security events/activities and posture.
• Review cybersecurity test procedures for requirements satisfaction, including participation in Test Readiness Review activities and witnessing of test events.

Skills

Cybersecurity

Systems engineering

Threat analysis

Security architecture

Leadership

DoD/IC experience

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM or Information Security/Technology, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity

Job description

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 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 Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) is a unique engineering division partnering across the full space enterprise to advance next-generation digital solutions and software-enabled mission capabilities. With customers spanning the DoD, Intelligence Community (IC), civil and commercial space, ISCD blends expertise in software architecture, AI/ML systems, data fabric/architecture, advanced cloud and edge platforms, cybersecurity, and full-stack engineering through mission-focused, collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams. These collaborative teams leverage hands‑on prototyping and applied R&D to support customer concepts, software architecture and development, and integration of the latest digital technology solutions. By bringing multi-disciplinary technical insight to critical space missions, ISCD is positioned at the forefront of innovative software and technology for excited new ways to make real‑world impact. Aerospace’s Cyberspace Systems&Security Subdivision (CS3) is seeking a Mission Cyber Architect to work closely with key stakeholders including government agencies, prime contractors, commercial vendors, and internal teams to define and implement robust cybersecurity measures across complex systems. You will facilitate the definition of security objectives, develop system security requirements and verification methods, and support mission-critical engineering decisions by providing a cybersecurity‑informed perspective. Your work will ensure that security objectives, protection needs, assurance requirements, and risk management strategies are clearly defined, implemented, and validated. This is a full time position 100% onsite at El Segundo, Ca.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide comprehensive cybersecurity systems engineering support to government and contracted personnel in the areas of cyber security, cyber test and systems engineering.
• Support cyber engineering, design, implementation and monitoring for the protection of computer systems, networks and information throughout the system development lifecycle.
• Review and design security architecture for ground systems and provide recommendations on security improvements to the system's baseline.
• Identify and define system security requirements and develop detailed cybersecurity designs that align with and complement mission objectives.
• Identify and recommend strategies for mitigation and/or removal of ground and space cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
• Participate in program protection and risk management activities to ensure cybersecurity vulnerabilities are evaluated and effective mitigations applied in accordance with security directives.
• Provide cybersecurity expertise in support of critical decision points and provide ground truth assessments of security events/activities and posture.
• Review cybersecurity test procedures for requirements satisfaction, including participation in Test Readiness Review activities and witnessing of test events.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist - Cyber Security Architecture and Information Systems Security Bachelor's degree in STEM or in Information Security/Technology, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related subject area.

• 8 or more years of system security experience across multiple cybersecurity domains (applications security, defensive cyber operations, vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, network security, embedded systems security) with proven track record of delivering mission‑critical security solutions.
• Demonstrated experience leading cybersecurity teams and programs, with the ability to analyze complex problems and deliver effective solutions in high pressure environments that directly impact mission success.
• Experience defining and analyzing threat/vulnerability likelihood, coupled with mission impact, to determine risk.
• Willing to travel locally and long distance to work locations or customer sites approx. 30% of the time if required.
• This position requires an active TS//SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US 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 in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, or Software Engineering.
• Multiple cybersecurity certifications (CISSP, CISSP-ISSAP, CISSP-ISSEP, C|EH, SANS, etc.)
• Understanding of satellite system design and technology along with the challenges associated with securing them. Familiarity with Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Missile Warning and Missile Tracking.
• Experience with various cloud offerings and services (AWS, Azure, VMWare, Open Shift, Red Hat Kubernetes, and other relevant technologies). Experience with secure software application development and pipeline delivery/testing between SW factory and operational environments.
• Experience developing technical solutions and new security tools to help mitigate security vulnerabilities and automate repeatable tasks.

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

Benefits

• 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

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 [e-mail] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

Right Place

The Aerospace Corporation has over 26 locations nationwide, which allows us to build a workforce that will nurture the best ideas, and generate the most novel innovations and solutions to our nation’s toughest space enterprise challenges.

Right Path

Aerospace covers all stages of the space lifecycle, from concept to operations. We believe our people are our most valuable resource and that’s why we propel our employees forward in their careers through ongoing education, training, and professional development.

Right Purpose

We can all serve a mission much greater than ourselves, and at Aerospace that is exactly what we do. By hiring the industry’s most preeminent scientists and engineers, Aerospace advances emerging technologies that protect some of the most critical missions on Earth and above it.

Return to the Aerospace Careers site.

Aerospace employees working in organizations with technical responsibilities are required to obtain a Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for those positions.