Principal Engineer-Cybersecurity Technical Lead

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.

The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

We are looking for a Cybersecurity Technical Lead (Principal Engineer/Scientist-Cyber Security Architecture) to spearhead cyber and software innovation across the space enterprise for the Intelligence Community (IC). This pivotal role will drive the strategic vision and implementation of cybersecurity solutions and advanced technology platforms in the space domain, impacting mission-critical systems and a wide customer base. With a focus on advising and guiding teams in the implementation of cyber solutions to mitigate space cyber vulnerabilities, the position will grow Aerospace's role and community leadership in the space cyber domain. Goals include modernizing and simplifying NRO cyber (ground and space) efforts, anticipating demand to meet partner needs particularly in a contested environment, and improving global resilience and mission execution.

Work Model

This is a full time position based in Chantilly, Va which requires 100% onsite work.

What You'll Be Doing

• Build the organizational vision, strategy, and roadmaps for expanding customer impact across fast-moving cybersecurity, cloud, and hardware security technology areas
• Connect state-of-the-art technology to unique customer solutions for innovative architectures, prototypes, and new processes enabling government rapid adoption of the latest advanced capabilities
• Engage with customers across DoD, IC, and Civil (NASA) customers, in areas of cyber security, cloud computing, and software development to connect align staff solutions toward mission needs and leverage the Aerospace engineering matrix
• Identify impactful R&D projects composed of integrated product teams (internal and external organizations) to position Aerospace innovative collaboration programs and technical development
• Advance the organizational culture and personally engage with staff to inspire, develop, mentor, and to foster a broad and highly-collaborative team environment

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements: for the Principal Engineer/Scientist-Cyber Security Architecture

• This position requires a TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, cyber engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related STEM field
• 13 or more years of experience with demonstrated impact in the fields of cybersecurity, cloud computing, cyber-resilient architectures, secure software development practices for space systems, and mitigation techniques against threats
• Technical experience in one or more of the following: Space systems including command/control, ground, and user segments, multi-cloud environments, advanced cyber defense and intelligence product/tool development
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal cybersecurity policies and standards as well as frameworks such as MITRE's ATT&CK and Aerospace's SPARTA
• World-class communication strengths including verbal, visual, and written skills with ability to interpret the most complex software and cyber innovations toward both technical and non-technical audiences
• Established/Proven success leading integrated, multidisciplinary teams with a solution-oriented mindset for cross-customer impact
• A growth mindset to shape future opportunities across Aerospace and the space enterprise; and adeptly challenge the status quo to build outside-the-box solutions in both technical and organizational areas
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site domestically approx. 10-20% if required.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Certifications in Enterprise Architecture and/or Systems Engineering such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Google Profession Cloud Architect, AWS Solutions Architect, and Microsoft Azure certified
• Direct experience working with DoD, NASA, and or Intelligence Community space customers.
• Hands-on experience in real world application of emerging technology fields such as zero-trust, AI, and quantum applications.
• Success in building external collaborations with leading tech institutions to accelerate access to emerging research and foster co-development opportunities
• Successful capture lead for new business opportunities, resulting in funding growth
• Current and active TS/SCI/SAP security clearance

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
• A 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 or by email at . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.