Space Vehicle Defense Cybersecurity Project Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•Colorado Springs, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Space Vehicle Defense Cybersecurity Project Engineer to advance critical Space Vehicle Defense (SVD) initiatives within the Cyberspace Combat Department (CCD). This role primarily supports the U.S. Space Force's (USSF) 6th Sustainment Squadron (6 STS) and Mission Delta 6 by advancing on-board cybersecurity capabilities that protect space vehicles from cyber-physical threats across the orbital, link, and terrestrial segments. You will serve as a technical authority and task leader for SVD capability development, evaluation, integration, and operational deployment, ensuring space vehicles maintain confidentiality, integrity, and availability in contested, degraded, and operationally limited environments. This position plays a vital role in implementing defensive cyberspace warfare measures that preserve friendly space capabilities and deny adversaries the ability to exploit space systems through cyberspace attacks, directly contributing to space superiority as defined in Space Force doctrine.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.
6 or more years of relevant experience in cybersecurity, space systems engineering, embedded systems security, software development, industrial control systems, or similar fields with demonstrated progression in technical leadership and project engineering.
Proven leadership experience as a technical authority, project engineer, or program leader managing technical teams and junior staff in a lab environment.
In-depth understanding of space vehicle defense and cyberspace warfare domains as they apply to space operations, including: Space vehicle cybersecurity across orbital, link, and terrestrial segments, On-board intrusion detection systems (IDS) and autonomous cyber defense for spacecraft, Defensive cyberspace operations (DCO) and cyber assessments for space systems, Space system architectures, command and control systems, telemetry, tracking, and commanding (TT&C), Joint and USSF cyberspace policy, doctrine, authorities, and operations, NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-160, DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF), and space cybersecurity requirements.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to influence and coordinate across multi-disciplinary teams, FFRDCs, industry partners, program offices, operational units, and senior stakeholders in a joint, Intelligence Community, and civil space agencies.
Experience supporting mission-critical organizational goals related to national security, space operations, space vehicle development, and advanced cyber operations in support of combatant commands or operational forces.
Demonstrated ability to lead technology evaluation, integration, and transition efforts from laboratory environments through operational deployment.
Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations, customer sites, or integration facilities domestically up to approximately 20%.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
Hands-on experience with both defensive and offensive cyberspace operations in high-stakes, contested environments, particularly within DoD, Space Force, or Intelligence Community space mission operations.
Proven track record in successfully managing large-scale cyberspace operations projects, space mission support initiatives, or similar high-impact programs supporting operational forces or combatant commands.
Possession of advanced cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, OSCP, CEH) or specialized training in cyberspace warfare, threat intelligence, space systems security, or offensive/defensive cyber operations.
Prior experience collaborating with U.S. Space Force, DoD, USCYBERCOM, USSPACECOM, Intelligence Community, or other national security agencies in support of space operations or space control missions.
Familiarity with Space Force concepts, doctrine, mission command principles, and the integration of cyberspace operations as an enterprise function enabling space superiority.
Current TS/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain Special Access Program (SAP) clearances.

Responsibilities

Serve as Project Engineer and technical authority for Mission Delta 6 and 6 STS Space Vehicle Defense initiatives within a lab environment, managing the development, evaluation, and integration of on-board intrusion detection systems (IDS), autonomous detection and response capabilities, and other SVD technologies that protect space vehicles from cyber threats across all three space segments (orbital, link, terrestrial).
Conduct purple team testing, integrate SVD capabilities with ground-based Defensive Cyber Operations – Space (DCO-S) program tools and systems, and create an end-to-end cyber view of space systems.
Provide technical leadership and hands-on support for on-orbit technology demonstrations.
Partner with SSC/SSIO to publish SVD requirements, best practices, and ensure adoption and accreditation of SVD capabilities; document NIST SP 800-53 control coverage for SVD technologies to support Authorizing Officials in meeting Space Vehicle Cybersecurity Requirements mandated by SPD-5, DoDI 8500.01, DoDI 8510.01, and CNSSI 1253.
Operate strategically as a technical authority and consultant, engage with impact across government and industry partners, lead change in SVD capability development, foster innovation in space cybersecurity, and deliver measurable results that enhance the cyber survivability of space vehicles in a dynamic, contested space environment where cyberspace warfare is critical to maintaining space superiority.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect