Space Systems Cybersecurity and Assessments Engineer

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
This is a full-time position based 100% onsite in Chantilly, VA
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
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.
Technical Expertise:
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)
Professional Skills:
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 ICS/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
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
We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment