Senior Cybersecurity and Space Vehicle Defense Mission 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) defends our Nation's interests in, from, and to the space domain. Our team specializes in space mission and systems engineering, cybersecurity architecture, defensive cyber operations, reverse engineering, and exploit development to ensure cyberspace superiority in support of space control operations.
We are seeking a Senior Cybersecurity and Space Vehicle Defense Mission Engineer to lead cyber-informed mission and systems engineering efforts across the space enterprise, supporting military, Intelligence Community, and civil space customers, including USSF 6th Sustainment Squadron (6 STS) and Mission Delta 6 (MD6). You will serve as a technical authority embedded in space mission engineering activities - shaping system architectures, requirements, and lifecycle decisions through a cybersecurity lens, including Space Vehicle Defense (SVD) as one component of a broader mission assurance portfolio. This role advances zero-trust architectures, secure-by-design practices, and defensive cyberspace capabilities - with offensive cybersecurity support as required based on mission need - to ensure space systems maintain confidentiality, integrity, and availability in contested and degraded environments. This is a full-time position based 100% onsite (4-days / week minimum) in Colorado Springs, CO.
What You’ll Be Doing
· Lead Cybersecurity Mission Engineering for Space Systems: Serve as technical authority embedding cybersecurity expertise into space mission and systems engineering activities,- informing system architecture, requirements development, and engineering trade decisions across the mission lifecycle for military, IC, and civil space programs, including direct support to MD6 and 6 STS mission engineering efforts.
· Advance Mission Cyber Architecture: Define and implement zero-trust architecture and secure-by-design principles for space and ground mission systems, translating security frameworks into deployable technical solutions, including Space Vehicle Defense capabilities such as on-board intrusion detection and autonomous response.
· Support the Space Enterprise: Partner with Space Systems Command (SSC), Combat Forces Command (CFC) – MD6/6STS, STARCOM, Intelligence Community, national laboratories, research institutions, industry partners, and civil space agencies to deliver and transition cyber-informed mission engineering capabilities across the space enterprise.
· Develop and Evaluate Mission Cyber Capabilities: Conduct purple team testing, develop cybersecurity prototypes and testbeds, integrate SVD capabilities with ground-based Defensive Cyber Operations – Space (DCO-S) tools, and build an end-to-end cyber view of space systems in support of MD6 and 6 STS operational needs. Support offensive cybersecurity projects as required when applicable to mission needs.
· Inform Requirements and Standards: Partner with SSC to publish mission cybersecurity and SVD requirements and best practices; document NIST SP 800-53 control coverage to support Authorizing Officials in meeting Space Vehicle Cybersecurity Requirements mandated by SPD-5, DoDI 8500.01, DoDI 8510.01, and CNSSI 1253.
· Lead Full Lifecycle Engineering: Lead cross-functional teams through requirements definition, architecture design, prototyping, integration, testing, and operational deployment for mission systems and SVD capabilities alike.
· Deliver Results: Operate as a technical authority and consultant, drive innovation in space mission cybersecurity, and deliver measurable improvements to the survivability of space systems in a contested environment, including those supporting MD6 and 6 STS operational and sustainment missions.
What You Need to be Successful – Cyber Space Vehicle Defense Senior Project Engineer
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Information Security/Technology, or related STEM discipline.
10 or more years of relevant experience in space mission/systems engineering, cybersecurity, embedded systems security, software development, industrial control systems, or similar fields, with a proven track record of delivering mission-critical solutions and progression in technical leadership.
Proven leadership experience as a technical authority, project engineer, program lead, or senior individual contributor driving complex technical efforts and advising senior government stakeholders in space mission engineering, cyber operations, or space vehicle cybersecurity supporting national security space missions.
In-depth understanding of space mission engineering and cyberspace domains, including:
Space system architectures, command and control, and TT&C
Zero-trust architecture and secure-by-design principles
Space vehicle cybersecurity across orbital, link, and terrestrial segments
On-board IDS and autonomous cyber defense for spacecraft
Defensive cyberspace operations (DCO) and cyber assessments for space systems
NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-160, DoD RMF, and space cybersecurity requirements
Hands-on experience designing and implementing zero-trust, secure-by-design, or DevSecOps-driven security architectures within space or mission systems engineering contexts.
Experience with space systems engineering, satellite ground systems, or space network operations.
Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams through full lifecycle development (requirements through operational deployment).
Strong collaboration skills across FFRDCs, industry, program offices, and senior stakeholders spanning military, Intelligence Community, and civil space agencies.
Willingness to travel domestically up to approximately 20%.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Advanced degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or Software Engineering.
Hands-on experience with both defensive and offensive cyberspace operations in contested DoD, Space Force, or IC environments.
Track record managing large-scale space mission engineering or cyberspace operations programs, including support to Space Force Mission Deltas or sustainment squadrons.
Experience as a Principal Investigator, technical lead, or program manager on federal cybersecurity programs (DoD, IC, DHS).
Advanced certifications (CISSP, OSCP, CEH, CompTIA SecurityX) or specialized training in cyberspace warfare, threat intelligence, or space systems security.
Prior collaboration with USSF, DoD, USCYBERCOM, USSPACECOM, IC, or national laboratories on space operations.
Current TS/SCI clearance with ability to obtain 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)
$166,400.00 - $249,600.00
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 applicab