Space Systems Cybersecurity and Assessments Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation seeks a Space Systems Cybersecurity and Assessments Engineer to design, implement, assess, and deploy cyber solutions that defend our nation’s assets in space. As a Senior Member of the Technical Staff, you will evaluate cybersecurity techniques, advise DoD and IC space system customers on secure design, and lead vulnerability assessments and prototype development.

This 100% onsite, Chantilly, VA role requires a STEM degree and 5+ years in cyber security, plus

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in STEM, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or similar technical area.
• 5+ years of professional experience in cyber security with demonstrable main contribution to cyber assessments or prototypes.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages and in Linux/Unix systems.
• Knowledge of offensive and defensive cyber security tools, tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Cyber Security Research and Assessments: perform vulnerability assessments and penetration testing; identify security weaknesses in software, hardware, and architecture.
• Advise Space System Customers: provide expert consultation on secure design for DoD and IC space systems.
• Review and Analyze Network Architectures: assess security, dataflow, and performance, and propose trade‑offs.
• Support Cybersecurity Projects and Prototype Development: contribute to architecture, prototype development, and mitigations.
• Apply Technical Expertise: program automation tools and use network engineering knowledge (TCP/IP, IPSEC, HTTP/S, routing).

Skills

Cybersecurity research

Programming languages

Linux/Unix

Analytical skills

Independent judgment

Education

Bachelor's or advanced degree in STEM

Tools

TCP/IP

IPSEC

HTTP/S

Routing protocols

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 Cyberspace Combat Department (CCD) within the Cyberspace Systems Security Subdivision (CS3) is at the forefront of defending our Nation's interests in, from, and to the space domain. Our team of leading cybersecurity professionals specializes in defensive cyber operations, space-focused cyber assessments, reverse engineering, and exploit development to ensure cyberspace superiority in support of space control operations. We integrate cutting‑edge technologies with deep expertise in cyber warfare to deliver combat‑credible capabilities that enable the Joint warfighter to achieve space superiority. We are seeking a Space Systems Cybersecurity and Assessments Engineer to help design, implement, assess, and deploy cyber solutions that defend our nation's most valuable assets in space. As a Senior Member of the Technical Staff, you will provide professional engineering support requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, and adaptation of cybersecurity techniques, procedures, and criteria. You will perform research in cyber and network security, advise DoD and Intelligence Community (IC) space system customers on secure design and implementation, conduct vulnerability assessments, lead cyber security architecture and prototype development projects, and devise new approaches to complex problems while maintaining frequent inter‑organizational and customer contacts on matters of importance.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Conduct Cyber Security Research and Assessments: Perform research in cyber and network security; participate in vulnerability assessments and penetration testing; identify security vulnerabilities and weaknesses in software, hardware, and architectural designs for mission environments.
• Advise Space System Customers: Serve as a technical authority advising DoD and IC space system customers on secure design and implementation of systems; provide expert consultation on cybersecurity best practices for space, ground, and user segments.
• Review and Analyze Network Architectures: Review network architecture designs to identify security, dataflow, and performance deficiencies; provide recommendations based on technical performance evaluations; conduct cyber system trade‑off studies for various system designs and protocols.
• Support Cybersecurity Projects and Prototype Development: Participate as a main contributor in Cyber Security Architecture, Prototype/Capability Development, and validation of network system requirements; coordinate with vendors and government stakeholders; develop and implement security prototypes and recommended mitigations for identified vulnerabilities.
• Apply Technical Expertise: Demonstrate proficiency in programming languages for automation and tool development; leverage knowledge of offensive and defensive cyber security tools, tactics, techniques, and procedures; apply network engineering expertise including TCP/IP, IPSEC, HTTP/S, and routing protocols.

What You Need to be Successful – Space Systems Cybersecurity and Assessments Engineer

• Full-time position based 100% onsite in Chantilly, VA.
• Bachelor's or advanced degree in STEM, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or similar technical area of study.
• 5 or more years of professional experience in cyber security with demonstrable history as a main contributor to cyber assessments and/or the development of cyber security prototypes.
• Demonstrable proficiency in one or more programming languages.
• Proficient in Linux and Unix based operating systems.
• Knowledge and/or experience of both offensive and defensive cyber security tools, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
• Knowledge and/or experience performing vulnerability assessment and mitigation.
• Network engineering and architecture knowledge (TCP/IP, IPSEC, HTTP/S, routing protocols).
• Strong analytical skills; demonstrated ability to work independently with judgment in evaluation, selection, and adaptation of cybersecurity techniques and procedures.
• Proven ability to establish effective working relationships with customers and stakeholders across multiple organizations.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance and willingness to take a CI Polygraph examination.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site approx. 20% of the time if required.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced technical degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
• Cybersecurity certifications such as Security+, OSCP, CEH, GPEN, GIAC, or other DoD 8140‑compliant certifications
• Experience designing, implementing, or maintaining network devices (to include configuration of routers, switches, and/or firewalls)
• Experience with space systems, including familiarity with space, ground, and user segments, as well as legacy software and spacecraft commanding and telemetry
• Experience with cloud technologies such as AWS and Azure, Kubernetes, Docker, and Podman
• Experience with Agile methodology and team collaboration tools
• Deep IC/OT security expertise with hands‑on assessment experience
• Experience with NRO, NSA, U.S. Space Force, USCYBERCOM, or other IC agencies
• Knowledge of NIST SP 800‑53, RMF, SPD‑5, and space cybersecurity requirements
• Experience with Elastic‑based security platforms and security automation tools
• Machine learning expertise applied to cyber threat detection and analysis
• Current TS/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain Special Access Program (SAP) clearances

We offer a competitive compensation package

Where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade‑based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max) $100,300.00 - $150,400.00 Pay Basis: Annual Leadership Competencies.

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry‑leading benefits. Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company‑paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at [e-mail] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

Right Place

The Aerospace Corporation has over 26 locations nationwide, which allows us to build a workforce that will nurture the best ideas, and generate the most novel innovations and solutions to our nation’s toughest space enterprise challenges.

Right Path

Aerospace covers all stages of the space lifecycle, from concept to operations. We believe our people are our most valuable resource and that’s why we propel our employees forward in their careers through ongoing education, training, and professional development.

Right Purpose

We can all serve a mission much greater than ourselves, and at Aerospace that is exactly what we do. By hiring the industry’s most preeminent scientists and engineers, Aerospace advances emerging technologies that protect some of the most critical missions on Earth and above it.

Return to the Aerospace Careers site. Aerospace employees working in organizations with technical responsibilities are required to obtain a Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for those positions.