Cybersecurity System Engineer – Space Force Cyber and Data

The Aerospace Corporation

Cybersecurity systems engineer advancing The Aerospace Corporation’s Space Force cyber and data missions. Leading security architecture, systems engineering, and DoD technology transition.

Posted 9/4/2026full-timeArlington • Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $129,000 - $249,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in systems security engineering, including the development and enforcement of security policies and frameworks. Capable of leading cross-functional teams and communicating complex security concepts to diverse stakeholders while managing multiple projects effectively.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Systems Security EngineeringSecurity Policy DevelopmentCross-Functional Team LeadershipCybersecurity Risk ManagementSecurity Clearance Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Systems Engineering LifecycleCybersecurity PrinciplesSecurity Architecture FrameworksVerification and Validation MethodsSpace System CybersecurityTechnical Project ManagementSecurity Technologies ImplementationInteroperability and Capability IntegrationGovernance FrameworksRisk Assessment

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsOral and Written CommunicationTime ManagementOrganizational SkillsFlexibility

Certifications & Qualifications

CISSPSecurity Clearance

Industry Keywords

Aerospace EngineeringDoD ProgramsSpace Force CyberDefense-in-DepthZero Trust PrinciplesNational SecurityGovernment OrganizationsCyber CapabilitiesTechnical OversightCustomer Engagement

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber SecurityTypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead customer tasking for enterprise-wide security architecture concepts aligned with organizational mission objectives through the system development lifecycle
Define innovative approaches for developing and enforcing security policies, standards, and governance frameworks across the organization
Manage Aerospace Engineering Technology Group project teams built for specific customer task needs
Communicate security strategies, risks, and requirements to senior leadership and stakeholders
Apply systems security engineering principles to understand threats and corresponding cybersecurity risk management
Utilize security reference architectures, patterns, and reusable security solutions while considering system performance, usability, and cost
Lead innovative cyber efforts for Space Force Cyber and Data
Contribute to the body of knowledge and practice for customer domains
Transition new ideas and technology to DoD programs and operations
Provide systems engineering capabilities supporting long-term technical and engineering needs
Support system-of-systems engineering prioritization, performance testing and verification, capability integration and interoperability, program evaluation, and technology transfer
Partner with the Portfolio Analysis Department in the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s in STEM, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or similar technical area of study
8 or more years of increasing responsible experience in system security engineering
Experience leading cross-functional technical teams and security initiatives
Comfortable connecting with military personnel/organizations
Initiative, flexibility and be able to work in a fast-paced environment
Mature interpersonal skills and be well adept at oral and written communication
Excellent time-management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects
Knowledge of space system unique cybersecurity considerations, requirements, and technology
Proven ability to translate complex technical security concepts to less-technical stakeholders
Willing to travel domestically on occasion when required by the customer, approx. <10% (as required)
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance issued by the U.S. government
U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance
For Sr. Project Engineer: 12 or more years of increasing responsible experience in systems security engineering
For Sr. Project Engineer: Capable of independently managing complex projects, leading technical teams, and spearheading new efforts
For Sr. Project Engineer: Provide mentorship and strategic oversight to junior engineering staff
Advanced degree with applicability to systems security engineering (impressive to have)
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) (impressive to have)
Experience with space systems, including familiarity with space, ground, link, and user segments (impressive to have)
Knowledge of space system cybersecurity requirements and technology (impressive to have)
Knowledge of security architecture frameworks and compliance expectations (impressive to have)
Understanding of defense-in-depth, zero trust, or secure-by-design principles (impressive to have)
Knowledge of systems engineering lifecycle processes and associated security integration considerations (impressive to have)
Understanding of assurance methods including verification, validation, testing, and evaluation (impressive to have)
Knowledge of security technologies that implement system capabilities (impressive to have)
Experience with U.S. Space Force, DoD CIO, or CCMD cyber capabilities and/or customers (impressive to have)
Experience briefing senior Government leaders (General Officer and/or SES) is highly desirable
Thorough understanding of government and defense organizations involved in the national security space enterprise (impressive to have)
Current and active TS/SCI with SAP accesses security clearance is strongly preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

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