Cyber Security Engineer

SES Space & DEFENSE; Reston, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SES Space and Defense is seeking a Cyber Security Engineer to join the growing Cyber Organization supporting mission-critical government and satellite communications environments.

You will help ensure systems remain compliant, resilient, and ready to meet evolving requirements throughout the program lifecycle, while collaborating with program managers, systems engineers, and operations teams to integrate security from the earliest stages of development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical discipline required.
• 2–4 years of Information Assurance, Cybersecurity, vulnerability management, or related experience desired.
• Active DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Support RMF, vulnerability management, and certification activities across DoD satellite programs.
• Provide hands-on cybersecurity support, guidance, and QA for projects and teams.
• Review security plans, CONOPS, OPSEC, and operating procedures for compliance.

Skills

Cybersecurity fundamentals

Clear communication

Team collaboration

Documentation

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science

2–4 years Information Assurance experience

Tools

Tenable Nessus

SCAP

eMASS

SCTM

Job description

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At SES Space & Defense, we are a trusted partner ensuring mission success for customers operating in the most demanding environments. As part of SES S.A., a global leader in satellite-enabled connectivity, we deliver multi-orbit, end-to-end satellite and technology solutions that provide secure, reliable, and high-bandwidth communications across the globe.

Our differentiated multi-orbit architecture combines GEO and MEO satellite systems with integrated terrestrial and network infrastructure to deliver resilient, low-latency, high-throughput connectivity at a global scale. With more than 120 satellites covering nearly the entire world, a global ground network, and thousands of deployed terminals supporting over 5,000 government missions annually, SES Space and Defense is a trusted partner to the U.S. Federal Government and national security community, allied governments, NATO, and agencies including NASA for mission‑critical communications.

We strive to be the only solution when success is critical and recognize our people as our competitive advantage. At SES Space & Defense, you’ll work alongside a mission‑driven team committed to integrity, honor, and accountability, delivering real‑world impact across today’s most critical missions.

What You’ll Do:

The Cyber Security Engineer will serve as a key member of SES Space & Defense's growing Cyber Organization, supporting program cybersecurity initiatives across mission‑critical government and satellite communications environments. This role is responsible for helping ensure systems remain compliant, resilient, and ready to meet evolving customer and regulatory requirements throughout the program lifecycle. The successful candidate will provide hands‑on support across cybersecurity engineering, vulnerability management, continuous monitoring, and certification activities while partnering closely with program managers, systems engineers, and operational teams. Acting as a trusted technical resource, this individual will help integrate security into system design, implementation, and sustainment efforts from the earliest stages of development. This position offers broad exposure to cybersecurity practices supporting space, ground, and enterprise environments while contributing directly to the protection of critical national security capabilities.

• Ensure system compliance within the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework and associated policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Provide hands‑on cybersecurity support, guidance, and quality assurance for projects, programs, and team members
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on system certification and authorization activities
• Review customer‑required security plans, including CONOPS, OPSEC documentation, standard practices, and operating procedures
• Interface with Program Management to ensure compliance with established security plans and customer directives
• Review, prepare, and maintain CMMC packages in accordance with NIST 800‑171 and customer requirements
• Identify and communicate changes that may affect Information System security authorization status
• Perform self‑inspections and investigations as required by government regulations
• Participate in customer audits and inspections
• Manage vulnerability and patching activities, providing regular status updates to program leadership
• Develop, revise, and maintain Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) documentation
• Coordinate patching and hardening efforts to align with operational schedules and program requirements
• Develop and maintain continuous monitoring plans, including schedules, frequencies, and resource planning
• Participate as a member of the Change Control Board (CCB) to support timely approval of change and configuration activities
• Develop and maintain system information security policies and procedures
• Prepare internal and external customer reports in a timely manner
• Maintain technical expertise through professional development, industry engagement, and continuing education
• Collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams across programs and organizations
• Support hardening activities, site visits, and validation efforts across operational facilities, NOCs, and satellite access centers

Who You Are:

You are a cybersecurity professional who combines strong technical fundamentals with an understanding of how security enables mission execution. You thrive in environments where compliance, operational resiliency, and engineering rigor must work together to protect critical infrastructure and government systems. Whether supporting RMF activities, managing vulnerabilities, or guiding certification efforts, you bring a collaborative mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement. You are comfortable working across program teams, engaging with customers, and translating cybersecurity requirements into practical actions that strengthen system security. Most importantly, you understand that cybersecurity is not a standalone function, but an integral part of delivering secure, reliable, and mission‑ready capabilities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related technical discipline
• 2–4 years of experience in Information Assurance, Cybersecurity Systems, Vulnerability Management, Systems Auditing, Information Systems, Engineering Management, or Security Test and Evaluation
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance
• Experience conducting Information System vulnerability scanning
• Experience serving as an Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)
• Ability to work effectively in dynamic environments with DoD, military, civilian, and industry stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and within cross‑functional teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief senior leaders and executive staff
• Active DoD security clearance at the Secret level or higher preferred
• Familiarity with Tenable Nessus, SCTM, SCAP, and eMASS preferred
• Military satellite communications experience preferred

SES Space and Defense is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

An Equal Opportunity Employer:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.