Senior IT Security Engineer - Mission System Cybersecurity & Compliance

lunaroutpost; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Three weeks paid vacation

401(k) with employer match

Educational reimbursement opportunities

Job summary

Lunar Outpost in Colorado is looking for a Senior IT Security Engineer to manage cybersecurity and compliance for mission systems. The role requires extensive experience in cybersecurity, risk management, and compliance, with knowledge of NIST frameworks.

The ideal candidate will work in a dynamic startup setting, supporting the development of space robotics and planetary vehicles, including cybersecurity for NASA missions. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage and a 401(k) match.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of direct experience in cybersecurity roles for Bachelor's degree candidates.
• 2+ years of direct experience in cybersecurity roles for Master's degree candidates.
• Strong technical skills in cloud security and vulnerability scanning.

Responsibilities

• Ensure security controls aligned to NIST frameworks.
• Integrate cybersecurity principles into system design and operations.
• Lead or assist in compliance audits and incident response.

Skills

Cybersecurity

Risk Management

Compliance Audits

Cloud Architecture

Incident Response

Technical Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

NIST Standards

AWS

Job description

Are you passionate about shaping the future of humanity's presence in space? Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is dedicated to creating a permanent presence in space, while also driving positive impacts here on Earth. We are currently seeking a Senior IT Security Engineer - Mission Systems Cybersecurity & Compliance to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment.

The Senior IT Security Engineer - Mission Systems Cybersecurity & Compliance will play a key role in the development and deployment of LunarOutpost Mission System. They will be responsible for ensuring the security, resilience, and compliance of mission and ground systems throughout their lifecycle. This role integrates cybersecurity principles into system design, development, and operations to protect mission data, assets, and critical infrastructure. They will take the lead on ensuring compliance of LunarOutpost Mission System against NIST 800-53 framework. They will assist in developing strategies for maintaining requirements and contract obligations among which will be assisting in production of SSPs and POA&M. The ideal candidate will bring a thorough understanding of security architecture, risk management, US government contracting, controlled environments, and a readiness to work in a dynamic but pragmatic startup environment.

Take the #NextLeap with Lunar Outpost and work on the Pegasus LTV, which will carry NASA astronauts farther than they've ever been before on the lunar surface!

Key Responsibilities:

• Stand up and maintain security controls aligned to established frameworks and requirements such as NIST 800-171, FARS/DFARS, NIST 800-53 and ITAR.
• Develop, decompose, and trace cybersecurity requirements into architecture, design, implementation, test and verification activities of the mission system.
• Design, implement, monitor, and maintain security controls in mission systems – including configuration reviews, continuous monitoring, incident response, role‑based access controls, etc.
• Lead or assist in internal and external security compliance audits; ensure audit readiness and timely remediation of findings.
• Manage security and compliance documentation including SSPs, POA&M, Security Control Traceability Matrices (SCTM) and provide evidence of cybersecurity compliance/supporting authorization for operation.
• Lead or contribute to incident response, forensics, security monitoring, and remediation when cybersecurity incidents or vulnerabilities are discovered.
• Support training and awareness programs to foster a culture of security across the organization.
• Evaluate and implement tools for log monitoring (e.g., SIEM), DLP, and secure configurations.
• Plan for and implement resilience, survivability, maintainability, and upgradability of mission systems in the face of evolving cybersecurity threats.
• Partner with other compliance teams and the IT Manager to administrate and track work within a GRC.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, Information Technology, related discipline or relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree: 4+ years of direct experience in cyber security, governance, risk management, or compliance roles.
• Master’s Degree: 2+ years of direct experience in cyber security, governance, risk management, or compliance roles.
• Experience with security compliance audits and frameworks.
• A deep sense of accountability for your project decisions and actions.
• Experience with system engineering processes (requirements, architecture, design, V&V) applied to cyber-systems.
• Strong technical skills in cloud architecture, operating systems networks, security controls, vulnerability scanning, incident response.
• Familiarity with relevant cyber standards/frameworks (e.g., NIST, RMF, ISO) and mission assurance/survivability concepts.
• Ability to work cross-functionally, with strong written and verbal communication, documentation skills, and ability to influence engineering teams.
• Self-motivated, focused, and driven to meet critical deadlines.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• U.S. Person.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with cloud security and compliance in AWS/AWS GovCloud environments.
• Security certifications (e.g., CISSP, Security+).
• Experience with aerospace/space/mission systems context or defense environment.
• Experience in the design, development and maintenance for cloud-based architecture supporting critical operations.
• Performed leadership role or served directly on a team that went through full security audit.

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation level and base salary are competitively structured and thoughtfully determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, education, and the scope of the role.

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer.
• Paid time off: Three (3) weeks per year of vacation.
• Retirement plan: Up to 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions.
• Paid holidays: 11 company‑recognized holidays.
• Parental leave.
• Educational reimbursement opportunities to support company objectives, continued learning, and career development.

Lunar Outpost Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Lunar Outpost Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employees, including executives and human resources personnel, are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism and treat others with dignity and respect in accordance with this policy.