Senior Cybersecurity and Space Vehicle Defense Mission Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•Colorado Springs, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Senior Cybersecurity and Space Vehicle Defense Mission Engineer to lead cyber-informed mission and systems engineering across the space enterprise. The role supports military, Intelligence Community, and civil space customers, including USSF 6th Sustainment Squadron (6 STS) and Mission Delta 6 (MD6). As a technical authority embedded in space mission engineering activities, the engineer will shape architectures, requirements, and lifecycle decisions through a cybersecurity lens. Space Vehicle Defense (SVD) is one component of a broader mission assurance portfolio. The position advances zero-trust architectures, secure-by-design practices, and defensive cyberspace capabilities, with offensive cybersecurity support as mission needs require. It aims to help space systems preserve confidentiality, integrity, and availability in contested and degraded environments. The position is full-time and based 100% onsite in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with a minimum of four days onsite per week. Domestic travel may be required up to approximately 20%.

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 advancing 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 cyber defense, defensive cyberspace operations and space-system cyber assessments, NIST SP 800-53 and NIST SP 800-160, DoD RMF, 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

Serve as a technical authority embedding cybersecurity expertise into space mission and systems engineering, informing architecture, requirements, and engineering trade decisions across the mission lifecycle.
Define and implement zero-trust architecture and secure-by-design principles for space and ground mission systems, including deployable Space Vehicle Defense capabilities such as onboard intrusion detection and autonomous response.
Partner with Space Systems Command, Combat Forces Command, Mission Delta 6, 6th Sustainment Squadron, 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 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 applicable space vehicle cybersecurity requirements.
Lead multidisciplinary teams through requirements definition, architecture design, prototyping, integration, testing, and operational deployment for mission systems and SVD capabilities.
Operate as a technical authority and consultant, drive innovation in space mission cybersecurity, and deliver improvements to space-system survivability in contested environments.

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 a company-paid benefit 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.