Cybersecurity Engineering Project Leader

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our IC, DoD, and civilian customers.

The Cyber Operations & Resiliency Department (CORD) focusses on providing cyber engineering support to a variety of US National Security Systems (NSS) cybersecurity capabilities. CORD personnel provide the Aerospace corporation with a staff of cybersecurity engineers for meeting customers’ evolving real-time/operational cybersecurity needs and this Cybersecurity Project Leader ( Project Leader – Cyber Security Architecture & Information Systems Security)  position provides a wide-range of cybersecurity engineering support to both fielded NSSs (to include specifically space systems operating in the various space segments (e.g., space vehicles, ground stations, etc.)) as well as systems yet to be designed/acquired.  This engineering support entails programmatic activities such as managing the development of cybersecurity strategies, program protection plans, and cybersecurity requirements as well as more technically focused activities such architectural design, analysis-of-alternatives, cybersecurity technical requirements gathering, solutions development, installation/testing, and providing generic cybersecurity technical guidance.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Colorado Springs, offering a hybrid work model that combines 3 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• You’ll be providing management to various programs’ (NSSs’ and/or space systems’) cybersecurity programs to include managing compliance activities (i.e., Risk Management Framework (RMF) Assessment and Authorization), cybersecurity policy and procedure development/oversight, cybersecurity requirements development/oversight, cybersecurity contractor support oversight, etc.
• You’ll be researching and recommending cybersecurity technical solutions to include performing analysis of alternatives for different security products, conducting cost/benefit analysis, leading cybersecurity solution implementation/testing/evaluation, etc.
• You’ll be working with other departments within the Aerospace corporation to pull-in reach back support, and/or other contract support, and/or Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) to obtain reach back support as necessary
• The applicant will need to Operate Strategically, Engage with Impact, Foster Innovation, and Deliver Results in environments that often entail both technical and political challenges

What You Need to be Successful:  Project Leader – Cyber Security Architecture & Information Systems Security

Minimum Requirements:

• This position requires a minimum of a Secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable STEM area (e.g., Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Security, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, etc.)
• Must have an active Secret clearance (at a minimum) issued by the US government and it is preferred that the candidate has had a current Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) completed that would facilitate the applicant being submitted for a Top Secret and/or SCI clearance (if not already held)
• Hold at least one cybersecurity certification (e.g., CISSP, CEH, etc.) from a major accreditation body (ISC2, CompTIA, etc.)
• 8 years of experience in cybersecurity related positions
• Documented experience and proficiency performing multiple activities described in the “What You’ll Be Doing” section above
• Willingness to travel occasionally to work on location at customer sites (domestic and international) at a rate of up to 2 times a month

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of the following:

• A Master’s or PhD degree in in applicable STEM field
• More than 10 years’ experience in cybersecurity related positions
• Have experience designing and deploying networks, coding experience, cyber incident response experience, serving as an Information System Security Manager (ISSM, or other designated cybersecurity positions), working with Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS), Host Based Security Solution (HBSS), experience with Risk Management Framework (RMF) accreditation processes, cybersecurity assessment experience, producing RMF related artifacts/policies/guidance, eMASS experience, etc.
• Have general Information Technology (IT) experience such as providing systems administration, help desk support, data base administration, software development, writing scripts, etc.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Max)

$132,900 - $199,300

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• 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

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.