Cybersecurity Engineer
Job Summary
The Cybersecurity Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining security measures to protect the organization's IT infrastructure, networks, and data in support of Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) space technology programs.
Key Responsibilities
Security Architecture & Implementation: Design, implement, and manage security solutions to protect networks, systems, and data for space technology development and operations.
Develop and maintain secure system architectures and security controls for ground systems, mission operations centers, and hardware/software-in-the-loop testing environments.
Support ground architecture cybersecurity accreditations including obtaining and maintaining ATOs.
Conduct risk assessments and recommend mitigation strategies in compliance with DoD risk management frameworks.
Implement cross-domain solutions (CDS) to move data between different classification levels.
Threat Monitoring & Incident Response: Monitor security events and respond to threats using SIEM tools across SIPR, JWICS, and other classified networks.
Investigate and remediate security incidents, vulnerabilities, and breaches affecting space mission systems.
Support development of vehicle fault detection reporting systems and anomaly detection algorithms.
Compliance & Policy Management: Ensure adherence to cybersecurity policies, frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001), and DoD security requirements for space systems.
Lead cybersecurity compliance activities for ATO processes.
Audit and security assessments to maintain compliance with AFRL security standards.
Develop and maintain security documentation, including policies, procedures, and security classification guidance.
Cloud & Ground System Security: Implement security controls for cloud-based ground station networks and commercial ground station interfaces.
Support physical and cloud-based ground system maintenance for mission operations.
Manage security for procurement of cloud computing access and storage supporting space missions.
Support cybersecurity for hardware/software-in-the-loop and testing environments.
Mission Operations Support: Provide cybersecurity support for mission operations centers and flight operations.
Coordinate security requirements for spacecraft operations, ground systems, and user segments.
Provide on-call security support as required for mission-critical operations.
Security Awareness & Best Practices: Provide security training and awareness programs for employees supporting classified space programs.
Recommend security enhancements to improve organizational resilience for space mission support.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, computer science, information technology or related field.
Experience: 3-10 years of experience cybersecurity, network security, or related fields.
Clearance: Secret, TS/SCI.
Required Skills: Industry certifications (CISSP, CEH, CISM, Security+), experience with DoD Authority to Operate (ATO) processes and risk management frameworks (RMF), experience with security tools such as SIEM, firewalls, IDS/IPS, and endpoint protection, hands-on experience in penetration testing, vulnerability management, and security incident response, strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles, frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001, NIST 800-53), and best practices, proficiency in security tools, firewalls, and network security protocols, experience with cloud security (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, or Google Cloud), experience working in SCIF/SAPF environments and on classified networks (SIPR, JWICS), familiarity with scripting languages (Python, PowerShell, Bash) for automation, strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, ability to work cross-functionally with systems engineers, software developers, and operations personnel.
Preferred Skills: Experience with DevSecOps and secure coding practices for CI/CD pipelines, knowledge of zero-trust architecture and identity and access management (IAM), experience with cross-domain solutions (CDS) implementation, prior experience supporting space systems, satellite operations, or aerospace programs, familiarity with Communications Security (COMSEC) engineering.