Senior Cybersecurity and Space Vehicle Defense Mission Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•Colorado Springs, CO

2d•$166,400 - $249,600•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a senior engineer to lead cyber-informed mission and systems engineering across the space enterprise, supporting military, Intelligence Community, and civil space customers, including USSF 6th Sustainment Squadron (6 STS) and Mission Delta 6 (MD6). The engineer will serve as a technical authority embedded in space mission engineering, shaping system architectures, requirements, and lifecycle decisions through a cybersecurity lens. Space Vehicle Defense (SVD) is one component of the broader mission assurance portfolio. The role advances zero-trust architectures, secure-by-design practices, and defensive cyberspace capabilities, with offensive cybersecurity support as required by mission needs. Work includes developing and evaluating mission cyber capabilities, integrating SVD with ground-based Defensive Cyber Operations–Space tools, supporting cybersecurity requirements and standards, and leading teams through the full engineering lifecycle. The position is full-time and based 100% onsite in Colorado Springs, CO, with a minimum of four onsite days per week. Domestic travel of up to approximately 20% is expected.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Information Security/Technology, or a related STEM discipline.
At least 10 years of relevant experience in space mission or systems engineering, cybersecurity, embedded systems security, software development, industrial control systems, or similar fields, with a record of delivering mission-critical solutions and progressing in technical leadership.
Proven leadership as a technical authority, project engineer, program lead, or senior individual contributor driving complex technical efforts and advising senior government stakeholders in space mission engineering, cyber operations, or space vehicle cybersecurity for national security space missions.
In-depth understanding of space mission engineering and cyberspace domains, including space system architectures, command and control, TT&C, zero-trust architecture, secure-by-design principles, space vehicle cybersecurity across orbital, link, and terrestrial segments, onboard intrusion detection and autonomous spacecraft cyber defense, defensive cyberspace operations, and cyber assessments for space systems.
Knowledge of NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-160, DoD Risk Management Framework, and space cybersecurity requirements.
Hands-on experience designing and implementing zero-trust, secure-by-design, or DevSecOps-driven security architectures in space or mission systems engineering contexts.
Experience with space systems engineering, satellite ground systems, or space network operations.
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams through full lifecycle development, from requirements through operational deployment.
Strong collaboration skills across FFRDCs, industry, program offices, and senior stakeholders in military, Intelligence Community, and civil space agencies.
Willingness to travel domestically up to approximately 20%.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or Software Engineering.
Hands-on experience with both defensive and offensive cyberspace operations in contested DoD, Space Force, or Intelligence Community environments.
Track record managing large-scale space mission engineering or cyberspace operations programs, including support to Space Force Mission Deltas or sustainment squadrons.
Experience as a Principal Investigator, technical lead, or program manager on federal cybersecurity programs for DoD, the Intelligence Community, or DHS.
Advanced certifications such as CISSP, OSCP, CEH, or CompTIA SecurityX, or specialized training in cyberspace warfare, threat intelligence, or space systems security.
Prior collaboration with USSF, DoD, USCYBERCOM, USSPACECOM, the Intelligence Community, or national laboratories on space operations.
Current TS/SCI clearance and ability to obtain SAP clearances.

Responsibilities

Lead cybersecurity mission engineering for space systems, informing architecture, requirements development, and engineering trade decisions across the mission lifecycle for military, Intelligence Community, and civil space programs, including MD6 and 6 STS.
Define and implement zero-trust architecture and secure-by-design principles for space and ground mission systems, including Space Vehicle Defense capabilities such as onboard intrusion detection and autonomous response.
Partner with Space Systems Command, Combat Forces Command–MD6/6 STS, STARCOM, the Intelligence Community, national laboratories, research institutions, industry partners, and civil space agencies to deliver and transition cyber-informed mission engineering capabilities.
Conduct purple-team testing; develop cybersecurity prototypes and testbeds; integrate SVD capabilities with ground-based Defensive Cyber Operations–Space tools; and develop an end-to-end cyber view of space systems for MD6 and 6 STS operational needs.
Support offensive cybersecurity projects when applicable to mission needs.
Partner with Space Systems Command to publish mission cybersecurity and SVD requirements and best practices, and document NIST SP 800-53 control coverage to support Authorizing Officials in meeting space vehicle cybersecurity requirements.
Lead cross-functional teams through requirements definition, architecture design, prototyping, integration, testing, and operational deployment for mission systems and SVD capabilities.
Serve as a technical authority and consultant, drive innovation in space mission cybersecurity, and deliver improvements to space-system survivability in contested environments, including systems supporting MD6 and 6 STS operational and sustainment missions.

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.