SUMMARY As the Information Systems Security Manager at Firefly Aerospace, you will serve as the primary authority for ensuring mission-critical space systems and enterprise information systems achieve and maintain authorization to operate in compliance with national security requirements. You will own the Risk Management Framework (RMF) accreditation lifecycle per NIST SP 800-37 Rev. 2, implementing CNSSP-12 and CNSSI 53 requirements across space vehicle platforms, ground systems, and supporting infrastructure. Serving as the primary liaison between system owners, engineering teams, and Government Authorizing Officials (AOs), you will translate security policy into system requirements, manage security authorization packages, and ensure continuous monitoring of security controls. You will report directly to the Director of Cybersecurity and work closely with systems engineering, DevOps, and mission operations teams.
This position will be based out of our corporate headquarters in Cedar Park, TX RESPONSIBILITIES National Security Systems Compliance: CNSSP-12 & CNSSI 53 - Serve as subject matter expert for CNSSP-12 and CNSSI 53 requirements, translating policy mandates into specific system security requirements and control baselines for space vehicles, ground stations, and mission support systems
- Lead security categorization activities per CNSSI 53, determining appropriate Impact Levels (IL) and establishing control overlays for all national security systems
- Develop and maintain system security architecture documentation, including data flow diagrams, security boundary definitions, and control inheritance mappings
- Coordinate with system owners and engineering teams to identify security control implementation requirements and validate that technical solutions meet policy mandates
- Conduct security impact assessments, threat modeling, and risk assessments on proposed architectures, system changes, and configuration updates
- Review and approve technical security requirements in system specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), and engineering design documentation
Risk Management Framework (RMF) System Authorization - Manage end-to-end RMF processes per NIST SP 800-37 Rev. 2 for multiple concurrent systems to achieve and maintain Authorities to Operate (ATOs)
- Develop, maintain, and update System Security Plans (SSPs), Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms), and coordinate Security Assessment Reports (SARs)
- Coordinate independent security control assessments with Security Control Assessors (SCAs) or third-party assessment organizations
- Prepare and deliver authorization packages to Authorizing Officials, including executive summaries, risk determinations, and authorization recommendations
- Present compliance briefings to senior management, government customers, and AOs regarding security posture, risk status, and authorization timelines
Continuous Monitoring and Control Validation - Establish and operate continuous monitoring programs per NIST SP 800-137, defining security metrics, collection mechanisms, and reporting cadences
- Validate system configurations comply with Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), DISA baselines, and DoD security configuration requirements
- Review vulnerability scan results, penetration test findings, and security assessment outputs to identify control weaknesses and drive remediation
- Maintain current security control traceability matrices mapping policy requirements to implemented controls and assessment evidence
Corporate and Enterprise Compliance Programs - Lead corporate information security compliance initiatives ensuring adherence to NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-53, CMMC, and Space Policy Directive 5 (SPD-5)
- Support CMMC Level 2+ compliance activities, including practice implementation validation, artifact development, and assessment preparation
- Develop and maintain security policies, procedures, and standards that implement regulatory requirements
- Support Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) assessments, customer security audits, and government inspections
- Track regulatory changes and assess impacts to existing authorizations and compliance programs
Security Engineering Integration - Participate in system engineering reviews, design reviews, and change control boards to ensure security requirements are integrated early in development
- Validate security requirements are traceable from policy sources through system specifications to implemented controls and test procedures
- Support incident response activities by providing authorization boundary information, security control details, and impact assessments
- Interface with mission partners and external system interconnections to establish appropriate security agreements and MOUs
QUALIFICATIONS Required: - BS degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or related technical discipline
- Minimum 4 years of direct experience as an ISSM, Security Control Assessor (SCA), or in cybersecurity compliance roles within aerospace, defense, intelligence, or DoD contracting environments
- Proven track record managing RMF authorization processes per NIST SP 800-37 Rev. 2, achieving ATOs for complex technical systems
- In-depth knowledge of NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-171, and FISMA compliance frameworks
- Hands-on experience with DoD security tools including eMASS, ACAS, and HBSS
- Strong understanding of DISA STIGs and DoD Security Technical Implementation Guides
- Experience developing System Security Plans (SSPs), POA&Ms, and Security Assessment Reports (SARs)
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to translate complex security requirements for technical and executive audiences
- U.S. Citizenship required (ITAR and security clearance requirements)
Desired: - Demonstrated expertise implementing CNSSP-12 and CNSSI 53 requirements for national security space systems or satellite programs
- Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain clearance
- Direct experience serving as ISSM for operational space systems, satellite ground stations, or telemetry, tracking, and commanding (TT&C) systems
- Knowledge of satellite operations security requirements, including command authentication and telemetry encryption
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or similar certification (CISSP-ISSAP, CISSP-ISSEP, CAP, or Security+)
- Experience with CMMC Level 2 or Level 3 assessment and implementation
- Familiarity with requirements management tools (Jama Connect, IBM DOORS) used in systems engineering environments
- Knowledge of NIST SP 800-160 (Systems Security Engineering) and secure development lifecycle practices
Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and
vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term
disability, and flexible PTO options.
