Cybersecurity Requirements and Data Protection Lead

JPL

$159K — $197K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field with 9 years of experience; or Master's degree with 7 years; or PhD with 5 years.
  • Expertise in NIST RMF, privacy frameworks (GDPR/CCPA), or system development lifecycle (SDLC).
  • Skilled in using Splunk and data loss prevention (DLP) tools.
  • Extensive experience in aerospace, ground data systems, or cloud-based mission environments.
  • Familiar with Nessus and governance, risk, and compliance (GR&C) platforms like RSA Archer.
  • U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain cybersecurity requirements framework and policies for JPL's mission-critical functions.
  • Oversee sensitive data management supporting the Privacy Manager and CUI Liaison; implement Data Loss Prevention and encryption strategies.
  • Conduct risk assessments across IT/OT systems, supply chains, acquisitions, and subcontractors.
  • Ensure compliance with standards such as NIST 800-53, GDPR/CCPA, and CMMC; manage data classification and ethical data use.
  • Collaborate with legal and tech teams to translate regulatory requirements into technical architectures.
  • Lead investigations into data breaches and support internal and external audits.

Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance packages.
  • Comprehensive retirement plans and paid time off.
  • Flexible schedules and options for remote work.
  • Childcare support and parental leave.
  • Learning and development resources to promote skill enhancement.
Full Job Description
Job Details

As a senior leader within JPL's Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GR&C) team, you will develop and maintain the cybersecurity requirements framework for JPL's missions and business operations. You will support the JPL Privacy Manager and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Liaison, oversee the lifecycle of sensitive data and ensure alignment with NASA, federal, and international regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy & Policy: Develop and maintain JPL's cybersecurity requirements framework and policies to support mission-critical functions.

Privacy & Data Protection: Provide oversight for sensitive data in support of JPL's designated Privacy Manager and CUI Liaison; guide strategies for Data Loss Prevention (DLP), encryption, and "Privacy by Design."

Risk Management: Conduct comprehensive risk assessments across information and operational technology (IT/OT) systems, supply chains, acquisitions, and external subcontracts.

Compliance & Frameworks: Ensure institutional alignment with standards such as NIST 800-53, GDPR/CCPA, and CMMC; manage data mapping, classification, and ethical data usage.

Cross-Functional Leadership: Translate complex regulatory requirements into technical architectures by collaborating with legal, information technology, and mission leads.

Incident & Audit Support: Lead investigations into data breaches/disclosures and provide subject matter expertise for internal and external audits.

Required Qualifications:
  • Typically requires a bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or similar discipline with a minimum of 9 years of cybersecurity experience; master's degree in similar discipline with a minimum of 7 years of cybersecurity experience; or PhD in similar disciplines with a minimum of 5 years cybersecurity experience.
  • Mastery in two or more of the following areas: NIST RMF, privacy frameworks (GDPR/CCPA), or system development lifecycle (SDLC).
  • Proficiency with Splunk and DLP tools.
  • Significant experience in aerospace, ground data systems, or cloud-based mission environments.
  • Familiarity with Nessus and GR&C platforms (e.g., RSA Archer).
  • Must be a US Citizen.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Current CISSP, CIPP/US (Certified Information Privacy Professional), CISM, or CGEIT desired.


JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee's start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$159,952 - $197,184

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at JPL

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Cybersecurity Requirements and Data Protection Lead jobs: