Offensive/Defensive Cybersecurity Expert

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 Cyber Operations & Resiliency Department (CORD) focusses on providing various forms of cyber engineering support to a variety of US National Security Systems (NSS) within the US space enterprise and as part of United States Space Force (USSF) and United States Air Force (USAF) weapon systems.  We are looking for a expert in the fields of cybersecurity offensive & defensive techniques, cyber threat hunting, penetration techniques, as well as knowing the on-system and off-system cyber defensive measures necessary to mitigate various attack techniques (Senior Engineering Specialist - Cybersecurity Architecture and Information Systems Security).  We are looking for someone who has an extensive knowledge of cyber adversary attack techniques and who can use that knowledge to identify the biggest shortcomings of a given system’s cybersecurity architecture as well as identify and/or help develop defensive cybersecurity capabilities that will provide the most cyber risk reduction. 

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 assessing the cybersecurity architecture of various existing/fielded systems or designing cybersecurity architectures for “in development systems” in order to identify the most profound cyber gaps/shortcomings, identifying the highest return (in terms of cyber risk reduction) investments in cyber tools/procedures, and in some cases, providing hands-on/direct cyber engineering support to Space and NSS programs and operators
• You’ll be working with other departments in Aerospace corp, with system/organization contractors, with other Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC), and with military and Federal employees to facilitate cybersecurity improvements among a variety of critical Space and NSSs
• 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

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM or related technical area.
• 10 years’ of experience in cybersecurity field while serving in at least one of the following types of cyber organizations:
  • A military cyber/communications unit
  • An intelligence community cyber unit
  • As part of an NSS’s program office (e.g., space system program office, weapon system program office) as part of the cybersecurity team (e.g., Information System Security Manager (ISSM), Information System Security Officer (ISSO), Information System Security Engineer (ISSE), etc.)
• Hands on/documented experience in activities such as: cyber threat hunting, or cyber incident response, or cyber penetration testing, or analyzing cyber intelligence,
• Experience or working knowledge in configuring/installing/maintaining defensive cybersecurity capabilities (e.g., intrusion detection systems (IDS)
• Proven ability in security information event management (SIEM) solutions, endpoint detection and response (EDR), etc.))
• Willingness to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically/internationally at a rate of up to 2 times a month as needed.
• This position requires an active top secret clearance a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in STEM or related technical area
• More than 10 years’ experience in cybersecurity related positions
• Have documented experience in a Defensive Cyber Operations for Space (DCO-S) unit (e.g., Mission Defense Team (MDT) or Cyber Squadron CYS), in a unit providing Cyber Security Service Provider (CSSP) services, part of a Cyber Protection Team (CPT), or served on the staff of an Authorizing Official (AO) or Security Control Assessor’s (SCA). 
• Have certifications and/or have undergone focused training on Kali Linux or other penetration testing type tools, Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM) products, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions, or other cybersecurity solutions
• Have general Information Technology (IT) experience such as providing systems administration, help desk support, data base administration, software development, writing scripts, etc.
• Must have an active Top-Secret clearance issued by the US government and it is preferred that the candidate has had a current Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) completed

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 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.