The Aerospace Corporation

Mission Cyber & AI Architect

The Aerospace Corporation$151K — $226K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in STEM or Information Security/Technology, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related field.
  • 12+ years of system security experience across various cybersecurity domains.
  • Hands-on experience designing security architectures using zero-trust principles.
  • Experience in space systems security or satellite ground systems.
  • Proven leadership in multi-disciplinary engineering teams throughout full project lifecycles.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Lead security architecture development for ground and space mission systems.
  • Implement zero-trust architecture and secure-by-design principles for space systems.
  • Develop and execute cybersecurity prototypes for operational validation.
  • Apply AI/ML techniques for threat detection and incident response.
  • Guide cross-functional teams through full lifecycle security engineering.
  • Collaborate with national labs and industry for transitioning security tech into operations.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
  • 401(k) with immediate eligibility and vesting.
  • Flexible spending accounts.
  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
  • Relocation assistance and education assistance programs.
  • Professional growth and development programs.
  • Inclusive work environment that emphasizes teamwork and respect.
Full Job Description
The Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) is a unique engineering division partnering across the full space enterprise to advance next-generation digital solutions and software-enabled mission capabilities. With customers spanning the DoD, Intelligence Community (IC), civil and commercial space, ISCD blends expertise in software architecture, AI/ML systems, data fabric/architecture, advanced cloud and edge platforms, cybersecurity, and full-stack engineering through mission-focused, collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams. These collaborative teams leverage hands-on prototyping and applied R&D to support customer concepts, software architecture and development, and integration of the latest digital technology solutions. By bringing multi-disciplinary technical insight to critical space missions, ISCD is positioned at the forefront of innovative software and technology for excited new ways to make real-world impact.

Aerospace's Cyberspace Systems & Security Subdivision (CS3) is seeking a Mission Cyber & AI Architect to work closely with key stakeholders including government agencies, prime contractors, commercial vendors, and internal teams to define and implement robust cybersecurity measures across complex systems. You will facilitate the definition of security objectives, develop system security requirements and verification methods, and support mission-critical engineering decisions by providing a cybersecurity-informed perspective. Your work will ensure that security objectives, protection needs, assurance requirements, and risk management strategies are clearly defined, implemented, and validated.

This is a fulltime position 100% onsite in Colorado Springs, CO.

What You'll Be Doing
  • Lead security architecture development for ground and space mission systems.
  • Define and implement zero-trust architecture and secure by design principles for next-generation space systems, translating security frameworks into deployable technical solutions.
  • Develop and execute cybersecurity prototypes and testbeds that enable operational validation of security controls, thread scenarios, and defensive capabilities in realistic mission environments.
  • Apply AI/ML-enabled threat detection and anomaly detection techniques to enhance monitoring, defensive operations, and security posture assessment for space and ground systems.
  • Lead cross-functional engineering teams through full lifecycle security engineering - from requirements definition and architecture design through integration, testing, and operational deployment.
  • Partner with national laboratories, research institutions, and industry partners to transition emerging security technologies and research outcomes into operational capabilities.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist - Cyber Security Architecture and Information Systems Security
  • Bachelor's degree in STEM or in Information Security/Technology, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related subject area.
  • 12 or more years of system security experience across multiple cybersecurity domains (applications security, defensive cyber operations, vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, network security, embedded systems security) with proven track record of delivering mission-critical security solutions.
  • Hands-on experience designing and implementing security architectures using zero-trust principles, secure-by-design frameworks, or similar modern security paradigms.
  • Experience with space systems security, satellite ground systems, or space network operations, including understanding of orbital environments and associated security challenges.
  • Experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams through full lifecycle development, including requirements definition, architecture design, prototyping, integration, testing, and operational deployment.
  • Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site approx. 20% of the time if required.
  • Casual employment is normally for fewer than 20 hours a week, usually non-continuous, irregular, and infrequent
  • This position requires 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 in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, or Software Engineering.
  • Current and active TS/SCI clearance
  • Demonstrated experience as a Principal Investigator, technical lead, or program manager on federal cybersecurity programs (DoD, IC, DHS, or similar) with responsibility for technical execution and stakeholder engagement.
  • Hands-on experience with AI/ML-based security solutions, including anomaly detection, threat classification, network traffic analysis, or behavioral modeling.


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)
$151,300.00 - $226,900.00

Pay Basis: Hourly

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


We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

About The Aerospace Corporation

The Aerospace Corporation is a nonprofit corporation that operates a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) headquartered in El Segundo, California. The corporation provides technical guidance and advice on all aspects of space missions to military, civil, and commercial customers. Aerospace also designs and develops spacecraft, sensors, and other systems in support of national security, civil, and commercial customers. The corporation has more than 4,000 employees and operates a number of laboratories and test facilities across the United States.
Learn more about The Aerospace Corporation
Size
4,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1960

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