Mission Cyber Architect

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation’s Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) and Cyberspace Systems & Security Subdivision (CS3) are seeking a Mission Cyber Architect to define and implement cybersecurity measures across complex space and ground mission systems. The role works with government agencies, prime contractors, commercial vendors, and internal teams to establish security objectives, system security requirements, verification methods, protection needs, assurance requirements, and risk management strategies. The position leads security architecture development, applies zero-trust and secure-by-design principles, and develops cybersecurity prototypes and testbeds for validating controls and defensive capabilities in realistic mission environments. It also applies AI/ML-enabled detection techniques and leads multidisciplinary teams through security engineering from requirements and architecture through integration, testing, and operational deployment. The role partners with research institutions, national laboratories, and industry to transition emerging security technologies into operational capabilities. This is a full-time position requiring at least four days per week onsite in El Segundo, California, with occasional travel of approximately 20% if required. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain one.

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 of 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.
Willingness to travel occasionally to a work location or customer site, approximately 20% of the time if required.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain 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, translating security frameworks into deployable technical solutions.
Develop and execute cybersecurity prototypes and testbeds to validate security controls, threat scenarios, and defensive capabilities in realistic mission environments.
Apply AI/ML-enabled threat and anomaly detection to improve monitoring, defensive operations, and security posture assessment for space and ground systems.
Lead multidisciplinary 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 definition of security objectives, system security requirements, and verification methods; provide a cybersecurity-informed perspective for mission-critical engineering decisions.
Occasionally travel 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 benefits of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested 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.