Space Cyber Operations Systems Engineer

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.

The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including United States Space Force, United States Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation.

The Space Architecture & Integration Division works with elements across the Space Systems Integration Office (SSIO), SSC S6 (Communications) and Department of the Air Force cryptographic support offices to provide cross-program integration, engineering, and architecting support for the United States Space Force. The Cyber Architectures & Integration team is passionate about cyberspace, including cybersecurity, program protection, cryptography, key management, data governance & architecting, information technology, software, and resilient design for space systems. This position is to lead selected enterprise integration efforts for the USSF cyber operations mission.  

Work Model: This position’s work model is hybrid.  The employee will report on-site at El Segundo at least 4 days a week, with additional on-site presence dependent on customer needs.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Collaborate closely with government partners to develop strategies, architecture products, requirements, and roadmaps for SSC enterprise cyber operations
• Coordinate across the space and cybersecurity communities to gain consensus on strategies and approaches to improve cyber operations and reduce risk
• Lead and contribute to the development of cyber operations/cybersecurity policies and implementation guidance for space systems
• Advise senior government cyber operations integration counterparts within SSIO
• Identify and lead matrixed Aerospace engineering staff and project teams for specified projects and studies
• Maintain a deep understanding of DoD and DAF security regulations and frameworks for designing systems and processes

What You Need to Be Successful – Senior Project Engineer, Cyber Security Architecture

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science or higher degree from an accredited technical program in engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, information systems, or other applicable degree
• Ten years of relevant professional experience in scientific or engineering positions
• Experience with systems engineering subject areas, including requirements engineering, verification, test, and/or risk management
• Experienced in building and leading matrixed, multidisciplinary and multi-organizational teams with a solution-oriented mindset
• Willing to travel periodically, as needed
• Current TS/SCI security clearance with the ability to obtain additional clearances, which are issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to acquire a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Active SAP clearances
• Experience with fielding cybersecurity solutions, or performing cyber operations
• Experience with space acquisition policies, processes, and/or budgeting
• Enterprise Network and Cloud Security Expertise: Excellent knowledge of modern enterprise level networks and cloud infrastructures, software defined networks and network segmentation; Proficient in cloud security models, cloud-native security tools, security posture and compliance
• Knowledge of defense-in-depth strategies, zero-trust models, identity and access management (IAM), risk assessment, and vulnerability assessment techniques.
• Experience with diverse space systems and missions
• Advance degree in engineering, computer science or other applicable degree

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)

$166,400 - $249,600

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.