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 Cyberspace Combat Department (CCD) within the Cyberspace Systems Security Subdivision (CS3) is at the forefront of defending our Nation's interests in, from, and to the space domain. Our team of leading cybersecurity professionals specializes in offensive and defensive cyber operations, space-focused cyber assessments, reverse engineering, and exploit development to ensure cyberspace superiority in support of space control operations. We integrate cutting-edge technologies with deep expertise in cyber warfare to deliver combat-credible capabilities that enable the Joint warfighter to achieve space superiority.
We are seeking aSpace Vehicle Defense Cybersecurity Project Engineerto advance critical Space Vehicle Defense (SVD) initiatives within the CCD. This role primarily supports the U.S. Space Force's (USSF) 6th Sustainment Squadron (6 STS) and Mission Delta 6 by advancing on-board cybersecurity capabilities that protect space vehicles from cyber-physical threats across the orbital, link, and terrestrial segments. You will serve as a technical authority and task leader for SVD capability development, evaluation, integration, and operational deployment, ensuring space vehicles maintain confidentiality, integrity, and availability in contested, degraded, and operationally limited environments. This position plays a vital role in implementing defensive cyberspace warfare measures that preserve friendly space capabilities and deny adversaries the ability to exploit space systems through cyberspace attacks, directly contributing to space superiority as defined in Space Force doctrine.
This is a full-time position based 100% onsite in Colorado Springs, CO.
What You'll Be Doing
Advance Space Vehicle Defense Programs: Serve as Project Engineer and technical authority for Mission Delta 6 and 6 STS Space Vehicle Defense initiatives within a lab environment, managing the development, evaluation, and integration of on-board intrusion detection systems (IDS), autonomous detection and response capabilities, and other SVD technologies that protect space vehicles from cyber threats across all three space segments (orbital, link, terrestrial).
Develop and Evaluate SVD Capabilities: Conduct purple team testing, integrate SVD capabilities with ground-based Defensive Cyber Operations - Space (DCO-S) program tools and systems, and create an end-to-end cyber view of space systems
Advance On-Orbit SVD Demonstrations: Provide technical leadership and hands-on support for on-orbit technology demonstrations.
Inform SVD Requirements and Standards: Partner with SSC/SSIO to publish SVD requirements, best practices, and ensure adoption and accreditation of SVD capabilities; document NIST SP 800-53 control coverage for SVD technologies to support Authorizing Officials in meeting Space Vehicle Cybersecurity Requirements mandated by SPD-5, DoDI 8500.01, DoDI 8510.01, and CNSSI 1253.
Exercise Mission Command and Deliver Results: Operate strategically as a technical authority and consultant, engage with impact across government and industry partners, lead change in SVD capability development, foster innovation in space cybersecurity, and deliver measurable results that enhance the cyber survivability of space vehicles in a dynamic, contested space environment where cyberspace warfare is critical to maintaining space superiority.
What You Need to be Successful -
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.
6 or more years of relevant experience in cybersecurity, space systems engineering, embedded systems security, software development, industrial control systems, or similar fields with demonstrated progression in technical leadership and project engineering.
Proven leadership experience as a technical authority, project engineer, or program leader managing technical teams and junior staff in a lab environment.
In-depth understanding of space vehicle defense and cyberspace warfare domains as they apply to space operations, including:
Space vehicle cybersecurity across orbital, link, and terrestrial segments
On-board intrusion detection systems (IDS) and autonomous cyber defense for spacecraft
Defensive cyberspace operations (DCO) and cyber assessments for space systems
Space system architectures, command and control systems, telemetry, tracking, and commanding (TT&C)
Joint and USSF cyberspace policy, doctrine, authorities, and operations
NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-160, DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF), and space cybersecurity requirements
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to influence and coordinate across multi-disciplinary teams, FFRDCs, industry partners, program offices, operational units, and senior stakeholders in a joint, Intelligence Community, and civil space agencies.
Experience supporting mission-critical organizational goals related to national security, space operations, space vehicle development, and advanced cyber operations in support of combatant commands or operational forces.
Demonstrated ability to lead technology evaluation, integration, and transition efforts from laboratory environments through operational deployment.
Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations, customer sites, or integration facilities domestically up to approximately 20%.
This position requires the 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.
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
Hands-on experience with both defensive and offensive cyberspace operations in high-stakes, contested environments, particularly within DoD, Space Force, or Intelligence Community space mission operations.
Proven track record in successfully managing large-scale cyberspace operations projects, space mission support initiatives, or similar high-impact programs supporting operational forces or combatant commands.
Possession of advanced cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, OSCP, CEH) or specialized training in cyberspace warfare, threat intelligence, space systems security, or offensive/defensive cyber operations.
Prior experience collaborating with U.S. Space Force, DoD, USCYBERCOM, USSPACECOM, Intelligence Community, or other national security agencies in support of space operations or space control missions.
Familiarity with Space Force concepts, doctrine, mission command principles, and the integration of cyberspace operations as an enterprise function enabling space superiority.
Current TS/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain Special Access Program (SAP) clearances, which is issued by the U.S. government.
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
Hands-on experience with both defensive and offensive cyberspace operations in high-stakes, contested environments,
