Mission Cyber Architect

The Aerospace Corporation•Center, TX

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 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 Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) is a unique engineering division partnering 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. These collaborative teams leverage hands-on prototyping and applied R&D to support customer concepts, software architecture and development, and integration of the latest digital technology solutions. By bringing multi-disciplinary technical insight to critical space missions, ISCD is positioned at the forefront of innovative software and technology for excited new ways to make real-world impact. Aerospace’s Cyber Security and Advanced Platforms Subdivision 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 that is 100% on-site at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in STEM, with major in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or related technical discipline.
12 or more years of experience related to software development, software architectures, with familiarity with microservices and API development.
Demonstrated ability to define security objectives and translate them into actionable system requirements and verification plans.
Experience in performing system security analyses and presenting findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
Proficiency in identifying, quantifying, and evaluating security risks, including assessing trade offs and recommending appropriate risk treatment strategies.
Experience supporting NASA flight operations including adhering to NASA operational procedures and collaboration with NASA centers.
Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site domestically approx. 20%.
This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Current TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Advanced degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or closely related technical discipline
Experience capturing and articulating system security information in support of strategic acquisition and engineering insights.
Prior involvement in security architecture or engineering support roles for defense, aerospace, or comparable complex systems.
Expertise in NASA Human Spaceflight topics and safety matters

Responsibilities

Engage with stakeholders to ensure that security objectives, protection needs and concerns, assurance needs, security requirements (including measures of effectiveness [MOEs] and measures of performance [MOPs], and associated validation methods are defined and documented.
Define system security requirements and develop comprehensive verification methods.
Capture critical system security information in functions such as NASA Engineering Insight or equivalent processes.
Develop security views and viewpoints of the overall system’s architecture and design, ensuring alignment with broader aerospace or defense strategies.
Identify and assess susceptibilities and vulnerabilities across the system lifecycle in the face of inherent hazards and adversaries.
Design and plan preemptive and reactive security features and functions to manage asset loss and mitigate potential loss consequences.
Perform system security analyses and interpret results from complementary analyses to support engineering tradeoffs and risk management decisions.
Quantify and evaluate the cost implications, benefits, and risks associated with alternative security features and functions.
Inform decision-making through evidence-based reasoning that demonstrates security and trustworthiness claims are met to the desired assurance level.
Act as a cybersecurity resource during software, hardware, and broader engineering discussions, leveraging specialized expertise to address all feasible solutions.

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
A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect