Secure Systems Engineer – Cyber Architecture & Edge Security
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation is seeking an experienced cybersecurity professional to serve as a Secure Systems Engineer (Information Security Staff V), supporting the architecture and engineering of secure, resilient systems across enterprise IT, edge computing, and operational technology (OT). The role embeds security into the software development lifecycle, strengthens network defenses at the network edge, and advances automation and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices across engineering teams. The position is part of a cybersecurity team focused on securing complex aerospace environments. The engineer partners with software engineering teams on secure development, assesses network security controls, and applies technical IT and programming knowledge across hybrid, cloud, and on-premises environments. The role also contributes to secure testing, threat modeling, technical documentation, regulatory and risk-framework awareness, and coordination with security operations, IT, and engineering stakeholders. Mentoring junior staff and keeping current with secure development, automation, and AI-assisted engineering are also part of the position.
Requirements
- At least 10 years of professional IT or cybersecurity experience.
- At least 5 years of network security experience, including specific experience or strong working knowledge of edge computing architectures.
- Demonstrated, informed use of AI-assisted coding tools, with the ability to validate, understand, and take ownership of AI-generated code.
- Familiarity with OT environments and their unique security considerations.
- Programming familiarity sufficient to engage meaningfully in code reviews.
- Strong technical IT background, such as systems administration, networking, or infrastructure engineering.
- Practical experience with automation and IaC tools and principles, such as Terraform, Ansible, CloudFormation, or similar.
- Ability to collaborate across engineering, IT, and security teams on complex technical initiatives.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or Information Systems.
- Familiarity with AI/ML model development concepts and lifecycle.
- Experience with secure testing and development methodologies, such as SAST/DAST, secure code scanning, or penetration testing fundamentals.
- Familiarity with threat modeling frameworks such as STRIDE, PASTA, or DREAD.
- General awareness of NIST frameworks and risk management guidance; deep compliance framework experience such as CMMC is a plus but not required.
- Familiarity with applicable cybersecurity laws and regulations.
- Experience in specialized OT environments such as aerospace, defense, or industrial control systems.
- Relevant certifications such as Security+, CySA+, GSEC, CISSP, or equivalent.
- Track record of mentoring junior engineers or contributing to team-wide technical standards.
- Current and active Secret clearance.
Responsibilities
- Partner with software engineering teams to embed secure software development practices throughout the SDLC, including design, build, and release.
- Assess and strengthen network security controls, particularly for edge computing architectures and distributed or remote deployments.
- Maintain working awareness of OT systems and their distinct risk considerations in an aerospace environment.
- Contribute to and eventually lead software review initiatives, identifying security weaknesses in application logic.
- Architect, troubleshoot, and secure systems across hybrid, cloud, and on-premises environments.
- Advance automation and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) adoption to improve deployment consistency, repeatability, and security.
- Support secure testing methodologies and contribute to threat modeling exercises as expertise develops.
- Produce technical documentation for audits, knowledge transfer, and engineering standards.
- Stay current on cybersecurity laws, regulations, and risk management frameworks relevant to aerospace and defense.
- Coordinate with SOC, IT operations, and engineering stakeholders on architectural security matters and emerging threats.
- Mentor junior staff and share engineering and security expertise across the cybersecurity team.
- Stay informed about emerging secure development, automation, and AI-assisted engineering trends.
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; 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
