Cybersecurity Space Systems Engineer

We have an exciting opportunity for a Cybersecurity Space Systems Engineer to join the JETSII Contract!

This role is a unique blend of space engineering and cybersecurity. Instead of focusing solely on how a spacecraft works, this position focuses on how to keep it safe from deliberate cyber threats. You will help protect the full range of NASA mission systems: from the spacecraft and its onboard computers to the communication links that send commands to the ground systems that support missions.

A cyber-attack on a NASA spacecraft isn’t just a technical problem. It can threaten astronaut safety and put extremely valuable scientific missions at risk. In this role, you will help design systems that can detect unusual behavior, isolate issues, and recover on their own while in space.

You will help plan, build, and test cybersecurity features that ensure NASA’s missions remain safe, reliable, and resilient, even under challenging conditions.

The Cybersecurity Space Systems Engineer will:

• Conduct threat modeling across the spacecraft, communication links, and ground systems using space focused security tools (e.g., SPARTA) and methods. 
• Design secure ways for a spacecraft’s internal systems to communicate (cryptographic key management framework) without slowing down critical operations.
• Review outside software and code before it is compiled into the flight software ensuring nothing harmful is introduced.
• Develop lightweight monitoring tools that monitor for unexpected behavior in telemetry, commands, or onboard systems.
• Build automated safety responses so the spacecraft can quickly isolate a threat and protect essential systems even without real time support from Earth.
• Lead cross-functional teams through practice or real cybersecurity events, helping coordinate actions between ground stations, network engineering teams, and flight operations to securely patch or override flight software.
• Evaluate engineering designs evaluate designs, interface control documents (ICDs), and flight software architectures to ensure adherence to rigorous cyber-resiliency baselines.
• Translate cybersecurity goals into traditional space system engineering deliverables.
• Perform engineering trade studies to find the right balance between strong cybersecurity postures (e.g., cryptographic overhead, zero-trust auditing) against the limited power, computing, and communication resources available in space.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requisition Qualifications:

​This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering and a minimum of 2- 5 years of experience in the field or in a related area.
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or STEM field such as Aerospace, Space Systems, Computer, Software, or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience participating in or reviewing major design milestones (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR).
• Understanding of the systems engineering lifecycle, including writing verifiable requirements, managing verification matrices (V&V via test, analysis, inspection, demonstration), and configuration management.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.
• Experience weighing cybersecurity needs against spacecraft constraints (e.g., CPU limitations, thermal footprints, limited power budgets, and low-telemetry bandwidth).
• Experience working across disciplines and explaining cyber risks to engineers and mission leaders who may not specialize in cybersecurity.

Requisition Preferences:

• 5–8 years of growing experience in space systems engineering.
• Master’s degree in Space Systems Engineering with work focused on Cybersecurity Embedded Systems Security, or Autonomous System Resiliency.
• Strong understanding of real time operating systems (like VxWorks, RTEMS, or NASA Core Flight System) and lower level programming used in spacecraft software (C/C++).
• Experience applying defensive cybersecurity concepts directly to aerospace systems.
• Experience working with intrusion detection systems (IDS), SIEM, packet capture analytics, and telemetry log analysis scaled down for resource-constrained environments.
• Knowledge of how to protect onboard artificial intelligence

Compensation:

• Salary starts at $83,700. Final pay will be commensurate with the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications.

 Why Join Our Team?

In addition to exciting career opportunities, we also ave:

• Excellent personal and professional career growth
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
• Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)
• Much, much more!

For more information on our partnership with NASA at Johnson Space Center (JSC), please visit www.wehavespaceforyou.com

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be a requirement for this position.
• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.

Essential Functions

Work Environment

Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.

Physical Requirements

Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).

Equipment and Machines

Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).

Attendance

Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements.

Other Essential Functions

Professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

#JETS #JETSII

Compensation Details:

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off and holidays

• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

• Educational reimbursement

• Parental leave

• Employee stock purchase plan

• Tax-saving options

• Disability and life insurance

• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.