Senior Cyber 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 deliver innovative solutions spanning 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.

The Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) partners across the full space enterprise to advance next-generation digital solutions and software-enabled mission capabilities. With customers spanning the DoD, Intelligence Community (IC), civil, and commercial space, ISCD blends expertise in software architecture, AI/ML systems, data fabric/architecture, advanced cloud and edge platforms, cybersecurity, and full-stack engineering through mission-focused, collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams.

About the role

Aerospace’s Cyberspace Systems & Security Subdivision (CS3) is seeking a Mission Cyber Architect to work closely with key stakeholders—including government agencies, prime contractors, commercial vendors, and internal teams—to define and implement robust cybersecurity measures across complex systems. You will facilitate the definition of security objectives, develop system security requirements and verification methods, and support mission-critical engineering decisions by providing a cybersecurity-informed perspective. Your work will ensure that security objectives, protection needs, assurance requirements, and risk management strategies are clearly defined, implemented, and validated. This is a full-time position 100% onsite at Buckley SFB (Denver, CO).

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive cybersecurity systems engineering support to government and contracted personnel in the areas of cybersecurity, cyber test, and systems engineering.
• Support cyber engineering, design, implementation, and monitoring for the protection of computer systems, networks, and information throughout the system development lifecycle.
• Review and design security architecture for ground systems and provide recommendations on security improvements to the system's baseline.
• Identify and define system security requirements and develop detailed cybersecurity designs that align with and complement mission objectives.
• Identify and recommend strategies for mitigation and/or removal of ground and space cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
• Participate in program protection and risk management activities to ensure cybersecurity vulnerabilities are evaluated and effective mitigations applied in accordance with security directives.
• Provide cybersecurity expertise in support of critical decision points and provide ground truth assessments of security events/activities and posture.
• Review cybersecurity test procedures for requirements satisfaction, including participation in Test Readiness Review activities and witnessing of test events.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in STEM or in Information Security/Technology, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related subject area.
• 12 or more years of system security experience across multiple cybersecurity domains (applications security, defensive cyber operations, vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, network security, embedded systems security) with a proven track record of delivering mission-critical security solutions.
• Demonstrated experience leading cybersecurity teams and programs, with the ability to analyze complex problems and deliver effective solutions in high-pressure environments that directly impact mission success.
• Experience defining and analyzing threat/vulnerability likelihood, coupled with mission impact, to determine risk.
• Willing to travel locally and long-distance to work locations or customer sites approximately 30% of the time if required.
• This position requires an active TS//SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Qualifications

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

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, or Software Engineering.
• Multiple cybersecurity certifications (CISSP, CISSP-ISSAP, CISSP-ISSEP, C|EH, SANS, etc.).
• Understanding of satellite system design and technology along with the challenges associated with securing them.
• Familiarity with Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Missile Warning and Missile Tracking.
• Experience with various cloud offerings and services (AWS, Azure, VMWare, Open Shift, Red Hat Kubernetes, and other relevant technologies).
• Experience with secure software application development and pipeline delivery/testing between SW factory and operational environments.
• Experience developing technical solutions and new security tools to help mitigate security vulnerabilities and automate repeatable tasks.

Benefits

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.

Pay

The grade-based pay range for this job is $166,400.00 - $249,600.00 annually. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. To cultivate our talent and ensure a strong pipeline of future leaders, we seek individuals who:

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