Cyber Security 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.

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 Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers.

The Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) at The Aerospace Corporation is a world-class engineering firm and scientific leader in electronics and cybersecurity for space systems. The Cyber Defense Solutions Department (CDSD) resides within ISCD and focuses on critical cyber research, development, and rapid prototyping in the areas of Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO), Hardware Security & Specialty Engineering (HSSE), Reverse Engineering and Exploit Development, and Spacecraft Security. We support a variety of customers including the Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and other civil customers (e.g. NASA) to resolve unique challenges in implementation and research. As an experienced cybersecurity engineer in CDSD, you’ll be leading teams, developing prototypes, and providing cyber support to our customer’s mission. 

Work Model

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead teams and projects in the areas of software security, cloud security, container security, mission assessments, orchestration and automation technologies, spacecraft cyber analytics and continuous monitoring.
• Directly contribute to cybersecurity development prototype efforts as well as perform cybersecurity engineering assistance to Aerospace Program Office customers.  Assist with developing and distributing project tasking to junior engineers.
• Mentor junior staff and interns in the department throughout the year.  Assist with intern projects during the summer intern season.
• Identify and evaluate new tools, technologies and techniques that may be applied to address issues or inefficiencies related to cyber operations.
• Collaborate with other Aerospace departments and external organizations to develop new technical demonstrations and capabilities.
• Perform research or technical development with government, industry, and academia partners to develop innovative capabilities.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist - Cyber Security Architecture and Information Systems Security

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM or in Information Security/Technology, Computer Science, or  related subject area.
• 6 to 8 years of relevant experience in a position related to cybersecurity, systems engineering, software development, embedded systems, or similar fields.
• Proven ability to take initiative and successfully complete tasks, lead complex technical projects, and collaborate effectively.
• Experience using project management tools such as Jira or MS Project. 
• Proficient in one or more programming languages including but not limited to C, C++, Java, Python, or Rust.
• Experience with SIEM tools, EDR/XDR tools, SOAR tools, scanning and reconnaissance, penetration testing, integration of software products and/or data sources.
• Experience using containerization technology such as Docker or Kubernetes.
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site approx. 20% of the time if required.
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist - Cyber Security Architecture and Information Systems Security include:

• 10 or more years of relevant experience in multiple engineering fields such as cybersecurity, systems engineering, software development, embedded systems, or similar.

• Knowledge of DoD cybersecurity policies, including the Risk Management Framework (RMF) or NIST SP 800-53.
• Experience relating to multiple cybersecurity fields such as applications security, defensive cyber operations, vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, network security, embedded systems security.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in computer science or cybersecurity.
• At least one cybersecurity certification (CISSP, C|EH, SANS, etc.
• Expert with bash, shell, PowerShell, and basic scripting on Linux and Windows platforms.
• Solid understanding of satellite system design and technology.
• Knowledge of various cyber tools such as Kali Linux and competitive (e.g. capture the flag) cyber experience.
• Experience with orchestration and automation tools (Jenkins, Puppet, Chef, SOAR, etc.).
• Experience with various cloud offerings and services (AWS, VMWare, Azure, DISA milCloud).
• Current and active TS/SCI clearance

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)

$129,000 - $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 various 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 employer. 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.