Mission-focused Cybersecurity Engineer / Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)

JPL/NASA • Pasadena, CA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.
Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.
The Office of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Mission-focused Cybersecurity Engineer to serve as an Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO). This position resides within the Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance group, which is the enterprise authority for the Laboratory's cybersecurity policy and compliance framework. This role is critical to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of JPL's flight projects, research endeavors, and sponsored programs by managing JPL’s execution of NASA’s Assessment & Authorization (A&A) process. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing Information Security Officer (ISO) and ISSO support for a portfolio of System Security Plans related to JPL missions and projects, as well as security efforts in the cleared environment.
A primary focus of this role will be serving as the dedicated ISO/ISSO for security plans developed under the TENET project, a strategic initiative to consolidate and modernize the Laboratory's security plan framework. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of deep technical expertise in IT infrastructure, extensive experience with the spacecraft mission development lifecycle, and a strong background in cybersecurity and A&A processes based on the Risk Management Framework (RMF). This individual will support a variety of mission and project work for NASA and other sponsors. With the right candidate, we would leverage their experience to help develop and mature an Information System Security Engineering (ISSE) practice within the CISO organization.

Requirements

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, physics/math, or related discipline with a minimum of 6 years of related experience; or a Master's degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 4 years of related experience, or PhD degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 2 years of related experience.
• Must possess an active TS/SCI clearance, willingness to work on-site in a classified facility
• Extensive experience with space missions, flight projects, or similar complex engineering environments, with a comprehensive understanding of the project lifecycle.
• Proven experience in a dedicated cybersecurity role, with direct responsibility for implementing the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) and its various adaptations for different government sponsors.
• A highly technical background with demonstrated hands-on experience in infrastructure engineering, cloud environments (e.g., AWS), or software development.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with a strong ability to build consensus and effectively liaise with engineers, technical teams, and management.
• Familiarity with the challenges of securing diverse systems, including Operational Technology (OT), testbeds, and software development environments.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and align cybersecurity initiatives with project needs and organizational goals.

Nice To Haves

• Must possess or obtain a DoD Cyber Workforce certification at the intermediate level (e.g., Security+) within 6 months of assuming this role.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating complex security risks.
• A commitment to continuous learning and staying current on the latest trends and developments in both cybersecurity and information technology.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of System Security Plans for critical JPL projects, acting as the designated ISO and providing expert ISSO support.
• Serve as a primary cybersecurity subject matter expert for the TENET security plans, guiding project teams through the onboarding process and ensuring compliance with the appropriate TENET "blueprint" architecture.
• Serve as a key liaison between the CISO organization and mission/project teams, providing clear, actionable guidance on cybersecurity requirements and compliance pathways.
• Apply deep technical knowledge of infrastructure, cloud, and/or software development to perform ISSE functions, ensuring cybersecurity requirements are integrated early in the system development lifecycle.
• Drive the full Risk Management Framework (RMF) lifecycle for assigned systems, from categorization and control implementation to continuous monitoring and decommissioning, in alignment with NASA Assessment & Authorization (A&A) and other applicable sponsor requirements.
• Collaborate directly with flight project, research, and technical teams to provide tailored cybersecurity guidance and solutions that meet project objectives while adhering to all sponsor security requirements.
• Apply cybersecurity principles and processes within specialized and sensitive environments, ensuring compliance with all sponsor-specific security directives.
• Assist in the management of Plans of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms) and Risk-Based Decisions (RBDs), ensuring that identified deficiencies are tracked and remediated effectively.
• Promote a culture of cybersecurity awareness and best practices among mission and technical staff.

Benefits

• JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.
• For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level