Mission Cyber Architect
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation’s Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) partners across the space enterprise to advance digital solutions and software-enabled mission capabilities. Its multidisciplinary teams work across software architecture, AI/ML systems, data architecture, cloud and edge platforms, cybersecurity, and full-stack engineering, supporting customers in the DoD, Intelligence Community, civil space, and commercial space. The Cyberspace Systems & Security Subdivision is seeking a Mission Cyber Architect to work with government agencies, prime contractors, commercial vendors, and internal teams to define and implement cybersecurity measures across complex systems. The role facilitates security objectives, develops system security requirements and verification methods, and informs mission-critical engineering decisions. It ensures that security objectives, protection needs, assurance requirements, and risk management strategies are defined, implemented, and validated. The position is full-time and requires working onsite in El Segundo, California, at least four days per week. Occasional travel to a work location or customer site may be required, approximately 20% of the time.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in STEM, 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, such as application security, defensive cyber operations, vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, network security, or embedded systems security.
- Proven track record of delivering mission-critical security solutions.
- Hands-on experience designing and implementing security architectures using zero-trust principles, secure-by-design frameworks, or similar modern security paradigms.
- Experience with space systems security, satellite ground systems, or space network operations, including understanding orbital environments and associated security challenges.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams through full-lifecycle development, including requirements definition, architecture design, prototyping, integration, testing, and operational deployment.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, or Software Engineering.
- Current and active TS/SCI and SAP clearances.
- Demonstrated experience as a Principal Investigator, technical lead, or program manager on federal cybersecurity programs (DoD, IC, DHS, or similar), with responsibility for technical execution and stakeholder engagement.
- Hands-on experience with AI/ML-based security solutions, including anomaly detection, threat classification, network traffic analysis, or behavioral modeling.
Responsibilities
- Lead security architecture development for ground and space mission systems.
- Define and implement zero-trust architecture and secure-by-design principles for next-generation space systems, translating security frameworks into deployable technical solutions.
- Develop and execute cybersecurity prototypes and testbeds for operational validation of security controls, threat scenarios, and defensive capabilities in realistic mission environments.
- Apply AI/ML-enabled threat detection and anomaly detection techniques to improve monitoring, defensive operations, and security posture assessment for space and ground systems.
- Lead cross-functional engineering teams through full-lifecycle security engineering, from requirements definition and architecture design through integration, testing, and operational deployment.
- Partner with national laboratories, research institutions, and industry partners to transition emerging security technologies and research outcomes into operational capabilities.
- Work with government agencies, prime contractors, commercial vendors, and internal teams to define and implement cybersecurity measures across complex systems.
- Facilitate the definition of security objectives, develop system security requirements and verification methods, and provide a cybersecurity-informed perspective for mission-critical engineering decisions.
- Ensure security objectives, protection needs, assurance requirements, and risk management strategies are defined, implemented, and validated.
- Travel occasionally to a work location or customer site, approximately 20% of the time if required.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
- Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
- Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
- 401(k) plan with company-paid contributions of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; immediate eligibility and vesting upon hire
- Flexible spending accounts
- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
- Relocation assistance
- Professional growth and development programs
- Education assistance programs
- Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
