Cyber Operations Lead and SOC Liaison

The Aerospace Corporation•Chantilly, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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 Aerospace Corporation is seeking an experienced cyber security professional to serve as our Internal Cyber Operations Lead and SOC Liaison (Information Security Staff V) . In this critical role, you will act as the primary bridge between our Security Operations Center (SOC) and internal business units, ensuring seamless coordination of cyber operations, incident response, and threat management activities. You will be responsible for translating technical security operations into actionable intelligence for stakeholders, coordinating cross-functional cyber defense initiatives, and enhancing our organization's overall security posture through effective communication and operational excellence. You will join a team of dedicated cybersecurity professionals who are chartered with securing Aerospace's classified and unclassified enterprise IT environments and viewed as leaders within the aerospace community. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in Chantilly, VA.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems or equivalent field of study, or equivalent experience is required
A minimum of (7) years of relevant experience in cybersecurity operations, incident response, or SOC environments is required
Demonstrated experience working directly with or within a Security Operations Center
Strong understanding of security operations workflows, including event triage, incident response, and threat intelligence integration
Experience coordinating cross-functional teams during security incidents and operational initiatives
Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical security concepts for non-technical audiences
Experience with security information and event management (SIEM) platforms and security orchestration tools
Knowledge of incident response frameworks (NIST CSF, SANS Incident Response, etc.)
Understanding of threat intelligence sources, indicators of compromise (IOCs), and threat actor tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
Experience documenting operational processes, incident reports, and executive briefings
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain Secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Nice To Haves

Experience managing or leading SOC operations or cyber defense teams
Relevant certifications such as GCIH, GCIA, GCFA, CISSP, or equivalent
Hands-on experience with threat hunting methodologies and tools
Experience with security automation and orchestration (SOAR) platforms
Background in both classified and unclassified enterprise environments
Experience developing and delivering security awareness training for operational teams
Familiarity with MITRE ATT&CK framework and its application in defensive operations
Experience with cloud security operations (AWS, Azure, GCP)
Track record of implementing process improvements that enhanced SOC efficiency or detection capabilities
Experience with metrics development and security operations reporting
Strong stakeholder management skills with experience briefing senior leadership and executives
A current and active Secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Responsibilities

Leading coordination efforts between the SOC and internal business units to ensure timely communication of security events, incidents, and operational priorities
Managing internal cyber operations initiatives, including threat hunting activities, security monitoring enhancements, and defensive countermeasure implementations
Serving as the primary point of contact for escalated security incidents requiring cross-functional coordination and executive communication
Translating technical SOC findings and threat intelligence into executive-level briefings and actionable recommendations for business stakeholders
Coordinating incident response activities across multiple teams, ensuring proper documentation, communication, and lessons learned processes
Developing and maintaining operational playbooks, standard operating procedures, and communication protocols between the SOC and internal teams
Facilitating regular operational meetings to review security metrics, incident trends, threat landscape updates, and operational improvements
Collaborating with IT operations, infrastructure teams, and business units to ensure security requirements are integrated into operational processes
Managing the lifecycle of security events from detection through resolution, ensuring proper stakeholder engagement and documentation
Contributing to the continuous improvement of SOC capabilities through feedback loops, process optimization, and technology recommendations
Remaining informed on trends and issues in the security operations industry, including current and emerging threats, tools, and best practices

Benefits

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