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.
An exciting and strategic leadership opportunity awaits a visionary Director for the
. This role is critical in delivering knowledge and experience in the secure technology, design, and implementation of
enterprise IT
and
space
/
platform IT systems, addressing the unique security challenges of
-
space-cyber
terrain. As the department's lead, you will drive initiatives in secure system
design
, ensure hardware integrity, and oversee mission-critical security
applications
across On-Orbit Systems Security, Crypto and COMSEC, and Hardware Security groups.
Work Model
This position will be fulltime and 100% onsite in El Segundo CA, Chantilly VA, Colorado Springs CO
What
You'll
Be Doing
Leadership & Team Development: Develop, mentor, and lead a diverse team of cybersecurity, enterprise IT and mission hardware security experts. Facilitate a collaborative and inclusive environment that attracts top technical talent.
Strategic Vision & Execution: Define and drive the strategic vision for secure hardware and mission technology initiatives, ensuring alignment with broader organizational and national security objectives. Oversee and continuously evolve security strategies that safeguard ground and space systems using both innovative and proven methods.
Technical Oversight & Innovation: Provide expert oversight to groups focused on Enterprise IT design and implementation, On-Orbit Systems security, Crypto and COMSEC, and Hardware Security. Guide the design and implementation of secure technology on space and platform systems, adapting to evolving threats in the space domain. Integrate advanced threat intelligence, secure design principles, and innovative testing methodologies to mitigate risks and defend against cyber and physical hardware attacks.
Cross-Agency & Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate with interagency partners, industry leaders, and government stakeholders (e.g., DoD, Intelligence Community, NASA) to shape and execute security strategies for space systems. Oversee teams proposing security implementations through Analysis of Alternatives and Proof-of-Concept prototyping to validate emerging techniques and inform strategic decision making.
Operational Excellence: Ensure robust operational readiness and continuous improvement of secure hardware and IT systems through rigorous assessments, comprehensive testing, and timely updates to processes and procedures. Provide technical thought leadership and strategic guidance in hardware security practices and mission technology integration.
Lab Management: Provides primary leadership for the management of cyberspace labs for the sub-division. Responsible for consolidating and unifying plans across the departments for the build-out and scheduling of lab resources against customer projects and internal research needs. Develops project needs and investment priorities for enterprise IT security, space hardware security and embedded applications for the lab environments.
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum
Requirements for the Director,
*S
ecure Hardware & Mission Technology
Department*
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
10 or more years' of relevant experience in a position related tocybersecurity, systems engineering, software development, embedded systems, or similar fields.
Proven experience leading highly specialized teams in secure technology, hardware security, or mission-critical IT systems.
Proven lab and infrastructure management including purchasing, budgets, etc
In-depth understanding across:
Secure system design and implementation for enterprise and platform IT systems
Enterprise IT disciplines including identify management, enterprise networking, cloud plat forms, platform security
Hardware security principles and protective measures
Cryptographic systems and COMSEC principles
Demonstrated experience developing innovative strategies in high-stakes security environments.
Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and written communication skills for effective engagement with corporate staff, senior leadership, and government entities.
A strong commitment to advancing national security and technology excellence.
Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites domestically approximately 40%.
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance.
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Hands-on experience in secure hardware design or on-orbit system security operations within government or defense sectors.
A record of successfully leading large-scale, mission-critical technology projects or similar innovative security initiatives.
Possession of advanced cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, CEH, OSCP) or specialized training in cybersecurity and threat intelligence.
Prior experience collaborating with DoD, Intelligence Community, or other national security agencies is highly desirable.
Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
An active TS/SCI clearance is a plus.
Current TS/SCI with the ability to obtain SAP clearances, which is issued by the US government.
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)
N/A
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
Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
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