Lead Security Engineer - Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM)

Stratolaunch; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid maternity and parental leave

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Stratolaunch seeks a Lead Security Engineer - ISSM to oversee cybersecurity for classified information systems across our hypersonic programs. You will own RMF processes, authorize environments, and drive continuous monitoring in collaboration with IT, engineering, and government stakeholders.

The role demands hands-on expertise in RMF documentation, SSPs, and security baselines, with a focus on strong communication and on-site availability at Mojave, CA.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of cybersecurity experience in regulated environments.
• Formal ISSM or senior ISSO experience for classified systems.
• Experience developing RMF authorization artifacts (SSPs, POA&Ms).
• Ability to communicate with engineers, PMs, and government reps.
• Active Secret clearance or higher; TS access may be required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as ISSM for classified systems and lead RMF implementation.
• Develop and maintain SSPs, POA&Ms, and security control statements.
• Collaborate with IT and Engineering to secure classified environments.
• Support SIPRNet connectivity accreditation and secure baselines.
• Provide training and technical guidance to admins and ISSOs.

Skills

Cybersecurity experience

ISSM/ISSO experience

RMF documentation

Effective communication

On-site work capability

Security clearance (Secret or higher)

Education

BS or applicable experience in lieu of degree

Tools

RMF/DI3G tools

Job description

Lead Security Engineer - Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM)

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air‑launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost‑effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.

We are seeking a Lead Security Engineer - Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) to lead the cybersecurity authorization, operation, and continuous monitoring of classified information systems supporting our hypersonic programs and advanced engineering capabilities.

This is a hands‑on technical security role. The ISSM will serve as the primary cybersecurity authority for classified information systems and will work closely with Information Security, IT, Industrial Security, Engineering, Program Management, and government stakeholders to build secure classified computing environments that enable mission execution.

The ideal candidate combines practical IT and security engineering experience with a strong understanding of the Risk Management Framework and is comfortable owning a classified system throughout its full lifecycle, from architecture and authorization through operations, continuous monitoring, and eventual decommissioning.

This is a senior individual‑contributor position with significant technical ownership and the opportunity to help shape the company's classified cybersecurity program as it grows.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the designated Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) for classified information systems under company responsibility.
• Lead implementation of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) for classified information systems.
• Develop and maintain System Security Plans (SSPs), Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms), security control implementation statements, network diagrams, hardware and software inventories, policies, procedures, and supporting authorization artifacts.
• Partner with IT and Engineering to design, build, secure, and operate classified computing environments.
• Support the implementation and accreditation requirements associated with SIPRNet connectivity.
• Establish secure configuration baselines based on applicable DISA STIGs and government guidance.
• Partner with Program Managers and engineering teams to understand classified computing requirements early in the program lifecycle.
• Develop scalable standards, procedures, templates, and technical baselines for classified information systems.
• Coordinate closely with the Facility Security Officer (FSO) and Industrial Security team on matters involving classified information, personnel access, physical security, and security incidents.
• Support the Insider Threat Program as it relates to classified information‑system activity and cybersecurity.
• Provide cybersecurity training and technical guidance to system administrators, engineers, ISSOs, and classified‑system users.
• Mentor or provide technical direction to future Information Systems Security Officers (ISSOs) as the classified environment expands.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 5+ years of cybersecurity experience supporting aerospace, defense, intelligence, national security, or similarly regulated environments.
• Previous experience serving formally as an ISSM or senior ISSO for classified information systems.
• Experience developing or maintaining RMF authorization documentation, including SSPs, POA&Ms, security controls, and supporting assessment artifacts.
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, system administrators, program managers, security professionals, government representatives, and executive stakeholders.
• Active U.S. Secret security clearance or higher.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance and additional program accesses as required.
• Ability to work onsite due to the nature of the classified systems and responsibilities associated with the position.
• Relevant cybersecurity certification such as Security+, CISSP, CISM, or equivalent.
• Experience with security compliance frameworks and standards such as DAAPM, NISPOM, JSIG, ICD 503, NIST 800-53, and NIST 800-171.

Preferred

• Experience establishing a new classified computing environment or taking a system from initial architecture through ATO.
• Experience supporting SIPRNet implementation, authorization, or operations.
• Active U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• BS or applicable experience in lieu of degree
• 5-8 years of relevant experience, $140,000-$185,000
• 8+ years of relevant experience, $173,000-$220,000

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

• This position is located in Mojave, CA

Base salary and leveling are established on a case‑by‑case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.

Benefits and our location(s)

• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles. The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.

Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight‑seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers.

Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment. For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.