Space Systems Cybersecurity and Assessments Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•Chantilly, VA

10d•$100,300 - $150,400•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Space Systems Cybersecurity and Assessments Engineer for its Cyberspace Combat Department within the Cyberspace Systems Security Subdivision. The department supports the defense of national interests in the space domain through defensive cyber operations, space-focused cyber assessments, reverse engineering, and exploit development. As a Senior Member of the Technical Staff, you will provide professional engineering support, independently evaluating and adapting cybersecurity techniques and procedures. You will research cyber and network security, advise Department of Defense and Intelligence Community space-system customers on secure design and implementation, conduct vulnerability assessments, and contribute to cybersecurity architecture and prototype development. The role involves devising approaches to complex problems and maintaining frequent contact with other organizations and customers. This is a full-time position based 100% onsite in Chantilly, Virginia. Occasional travel to a work location or customer site may be required, approximately 20% of the time.

Requirements

Bachelor's or advanced degree in STEM, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a similar technical field.
At least 5 years of professional cybersecurity experience, with a demonstrated history as a main contributor to cyber assessments and/or cybersecurity prototype development.
Proficiency in one or more programming languages.
Proficiency with Linux and Unix-based operating systems.
Knowledge of or experience with offensive and defensive cybersecurity tools, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Knowledge of or experience performing vulnerability assessments and mitigation.
Network engineering and architecture knowledge, including TCP/IP, IPSEC, HTTP/S, and routing protocols.
Strong analytical skills.
Ability to work independently and exercise judgment in evaluating, selecting, and adapting cybersecurity techniques and procedures.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with customers and stakeholders across multiple organizations.
Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance and willingness to take a CI Polygraph examination.
U.S. citizenship.
Willingness to travel occasionally to a work location or customer site, approximately 20% of the time if required.

Nice To Haves

Advanced technical degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
Cybersecurity certifications such as Security+, OSCP, CEH, GPEN, GIAC, or other DoD 8140-compliant certifications.
Experience designing, implementing, or maintaining network devices, including configuring routers, switches, and/or firewalls.
Experience with space systems, including familiarity with space, ground, and user segments, legacy software, and spacecraft commanding and telemetry.
Experience with cloud technologies such as AWS and Azure, Kubernetes, Docker, and Podman.
Experience with Agile methodology and team collaboration tools.
Deep ICS/OT security expertise with hands-on assessment experience.
Experience with NRO, NSA, U.S. Space Force, USCYBERCOM, or other Intelligence Community agencies.
Knowledge of NIST SP 800-53, RMF, SPD-5, and space cybersecurity requirements.
Experience with Elastic-based security platforms and security automation tools.
Machine learning expertise applied to cyber threat detection and analysis.
Current TS/SCI clearance and ability to obtain Special Access Program (SAP) clearances.

Responsibilities

Research cyber and network security and participate in vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
Identify security vulnerabilities and weaknesses in software, hardware, and architectural designs for mission environments.
Advise DoD and Intelligence Community space-system customers on secure system design and implementation.
Provide cybersecurity consultation for space, ground, and user segments.
Review network architecture designs for security, dataflow, and performance deficiencies, and recommend improvements based on technical evaluations.
Conduct cyber-system trade-off studies for system designs and protocols.
Contribute to cybersecurity architecture, prototype and capability development, and validation of network-system requirements.
Coordinate with vendors and government stakeholders.
Develop and implement security prototypes and recommended mitigations for identified vulnerabilities.
Use programming languages for automation and tool development, apply offensive and defensive cybersecurity tools and techniques, and use network engineering expertise.

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 total 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.