Senior Cyber Mission Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation; Buckley (MI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Senior Cyber Architect to work with CS3 to define and implement robust cybersecurity across complex space systems. The role focuses on security requirements, architecture, and verification, partnering with government agencies and prime contractors.

You will lead cybersecurity teams, analyze threats, and drive risk management across ground and space segments. Active TS/SCI clearance and U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in STEM or Information Security/Technology, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related field.
• 12+ years of system security experience across multiple cybersecurity domains with proven mission-critical solutions.
• Experience leading cybersecurity teams and programs with the ability to analyze problems and deliver solutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide cybersecurity systems engineering support to government and contracted personnel in cyber security and related areas.
• Review security architecture for ground systems and develop security designs aligning with mission objectives.
• Identify and define system security requirements and mitigations; support risk management activities.
• Participate in program protection and risk management to ensure vulnerabilities are mitigated.

Skills

Cybersecurity

Systems engineering

Threat analysis

Leadership

Clearance

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM/Information Security

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 Buckley SFB (Denver, CO).

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.

Minimum Requirements for the Senior 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.
• 12 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

• 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