Cybersecurity Architect, (TS/SCI), CI Poly

K2 Space; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

K2 Space is seeking an experienced Cybersecurity Architect to support classified DoD/IC programs. Design, develop, and implement security architectures for unclassified, CUI and classified information systems within K2 Space environments.

Serve as trusted technical authority shaping enterprise security strategy and RMF compliance. Responsibilities include end-to-end solutions, RMF accreditation, SA/POA&M, cross-domain and zero trust guidance, and mentoring.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of cybersecurity experience supporting DoD/IC.
• Expertise in cybersecurity architecture design for classified networks and information systems.
• Proficiency with RMF, NIST SP 800-53, ICD 503, CNSSI 1253, and related policies.
• Experience in multi-classification environments and cross-domain data transfer.
• Knowledge of PKI, encryption, and IDS/IPS concepts.
• Proven ability to lead security architecture efforts and communicate with executives.

Responsibilities

• Architect end-to-end cybersecurity solutions across DoD/IC environments.
• Lead RMF accreditation and prepare SSPs, SARs, and POA&Ms.
• Define security baselines and cross-domain standards.
• Conduct threat modeling and vulnerability assessments.
• Integrate security requirements into SDLC with stakeholders.
• Evaluate threats and propose countermeasures.
• Support Cross Domain Solution (CDS) design and accreditation.
• Provide guidance on zero trust in classified environments.
• Develop security documentation and briefings for leadership.
• Mentor junior security staff as SME.

Skills

Top Secret clearance

Cybersecurity architecture

RMF & DoD frameworks

NIST SP 800-53

Cross-domain

Network security

IAM & PAM

Threat modeling

Leadership

Executive communication

Zero Trust

Education

Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Cybersecurity Architect, (TS/SCI), CI Poly

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit.Backed by $450M from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, and others – with an additional $500M in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers – we’re mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.

The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today’s and tomorrow’s massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.

With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, we're Building Bigger to develop the solar system and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series C space startup, we'd love for you to apply.

The Role:

We are seeking an experienced Cybersecurity Architect to support classified programs in direct service to the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC). In this role, you will design, develop, and implement comprehensive security architectures forunclassified, CUI andclassified information systemsoperatingwithinK2 Spaceenvironments. You will serve as a trusted technical authority, shaping enterprise security strategy, guiding risk management decisions, and ensuring compliance with applicable government cybersecurity frameworks and directives.

Responsibilities

• Architect end-to-end cybersecurity solutions for systems acrossK2 Space,DoDand IC environments, ensuring alignment with mission requirements and compliance mandates.
• Lead the design andsupport theaccreditation of systems under the Risk Management Framework (RMF), including the preparation and review of System Security Plans (SSPs), Security Assessment Reports (SARs), and Plans of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms).
• Define and enforce security architecture baselines, reference models, and standards across multi-domain and cross-domain environments.
• Conduct threat modeling, vulnerability assessments, and security architecture reviews for new and existing classified systems and programs.
• Collaborate with program managers, system engineers, and government stakeholders to integrate security requirements into system development lifecycle (SDLC) processes.
• Evaluate emerging threats, technologies, and adversarial TTPs; recommend architectural countermeasures and mitigations.
• Support Cross Domain Solution (CDS) design, evaluation, and accreditation efforts in coordination with relevant approval authorities.
• Providetechnical guidance on zero trust architecture (ZTA) implementation within classified environments.
• Develop and present security architecture documentation, briefings, and recommendations to senior leadership and others.
• Mentor junior security team members and serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on classified cybersecurity matters.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret / SCI (TS/SCI) security clearance with Counterintelligence (CI) Polygraph — must be in-scope andadjudicatedprior to start.
• 8 or more years of cybersecurity experience directly supporting the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, or other U.S. government national security programs.
• Demonstratedexpertisein cybersecurity architecture design for classified and sensitive government networks and information systems.
• Deep familiarity with NIST SP 800-53, ICD 503, CNSSI 1253, DODI 8510.01 (RMF), and related DoD/IC cybersecurity policy frameworks.
• Experience designing oroperatingwithin multi-classification-level environments and managing cross-domain data transfer requirements.
• Proficiencyin network security architecture, including segmentation,firewallpolicy, PKI/encryption, and intrusion detection/prevention.
• Strong understanding of endpoint security, identity and access management (IAM), and Privileged Access Management (PAM) in government environments.
• Proven ability to lead technical security architecture efforts and communicate findings to both technical and executive audiences.

Nice to Have

• Experience with zero trust architecture (ZTA) implementationin accordance withDoD ZT Strategy and NIST SP 800-207.
• Familiarity with NSA-approved cryptographic solutions and key management systems used in classified environments.
• Experience supporting all levels of classified programs.
• Background in cloud security architecture within classified environments (e.g., AWS C2S, Azure Government, or equivalent IL5/IL6 environments).
• Experience with Cross Domain Solutions (CDS), data guards, and approval processes.
• Prior experience as an Information System Security Officer (ISSO) or Information System Security Manager (ISSM).
• Familiarity with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework.

Required / Preferred Certifications:

One or more of the following certifications isrequiredor strongly preferred:

• C ISSP — Certified Information Systems Security Professional
• CISM — Certified Information Security Manager
• SABSA — Sherwood Applied Business Security Architecture
• CASP+ — CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner
• DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level III or IAM Level III baseline certification (requiredfor applicable roles)
• CCSP — Certified Cloud Security Professional
• AWS Certified Security – Specialty or equivalent cloud security certification

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline isrequired.
• Master's degree in a related field is preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education, military technical training, and hands-on experience in classified environments may be considered.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base salary range for this role is $170,000 - $230,000 + equity in the company
• Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limitedto:knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
• Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many otherperks

If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

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