Systems Security Engineer

United States Air Force

$95K — $115K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program
  • Experience in systems security engineering and vulnerability analysis
  • Knowledge of secure design, network architecture, and threat intelligence (MITRE ATTCK)
  • Familiarity with RMF and an adversary mindset
  • Understanding of joint planning processes and operational risk management

Responsibilities

  • Conduct mission risk assessments and brief commanders on operational impacts
  • Perform cyber terrain trend analysis to enhance weapon system defenses
  • Embed in OPLAN and Cyber Ops Planning as a security engineering expert
  • Shape non-kinetic effects to ensure operability in contested digital environments
  • Build and mentor the Warrior-Engineer force through workshops and resources

Benefits

  • Recruitment, retention, and relocation incentives may be available
  • Opportunities for cash and time-off awards based on contributions
  • Autonomy to tackle complex challenges and drive impactful solutions
  • Regular opportunities to brief high-level decision-makers
  • Direct visibility and contribution to military operations and effectiveness
Full Job Description
The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is looking for a Systems Security Engineer (NH-0801-03) to work for the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) in the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.

This position can close at any time. Apply Now!

Recruitment, Retention, and Relocation incentives may be available.

VoP (Value of Position): 83

Qualifications/Requirements:

Join the CROWS Operations Branch and forge the future of "Cyber as a warfighter function." This is not a typical systems engineering job. It is a call to arms for Warrior-Engineers ready to drive real change.

On 7 Nov 2025 the Secretary of War declared, "Acquisition is now a warfighting function." The CROWS Operations Branch is the vanguard of that doctrine-mission-driven, embedded in the fight, and focused on lethality and resilience for the Department of the Air Force.

You will:

Conduct Mission Risk Assessments that translate technical vulnerabilities into operational impact and brief commanders directly.

Perform Cyber Terrain Trend Analysis-map weapon-system "crown jewels," analyze adversary TTPs, and shift defense from reactive to proactive.

Embed in OPLAN/Cyber Ops Planning as the System Security Engineering expert, shaping non-kinetic effects and ensuring forces can fight in contested digital environments.

Help build the Warrior-Engineer force through workshops, the SSE Cyber Guidebook/Competency Framework, and mentoring.

Who We Need:

Cross-functional professionals with deep expertise in some of these areas and the drive to grow in the rest:

Technical core: SSE, vulnerability analysis, secure design, network architecture, threat intelligence (MITRE ATTCK), RMF, and an adversary mindset.

Operational mindset: Joint planning process, Mission Thread Analysis, kill chains, operational risk, and commander's intent.

Communicator: Ability to brief complex technical risk to non-technical leaders with clarity, data, and a bias for action.

Why This Role:

Autonomy to solve hard problems. A seat at the decision table. Direct, visible impact on the warfighter every day.

Key requirements:

Non-supervisory

Engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program

Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearance

Resume limited to 2 pages; use MM/DD/YYYY date format for all assignments

If you are ready to own outcomes and deliver capability at the speed of relevance, we want to hear from you.

If your current salary is above the VoP for this position, there will be no reduction in salary; just the loss of earning potential. Contributions are still expected at the highest level, which would be rewarded through Cash and Time-Off Awards.

Click the apply button to complete an application and upload resume (PDF or Word Doc) and/or additional documents (Transcripts, certifications, Vet Docs (DD214), SF-50).

Ensure the submitted resume does not contain Personally Identifiable Information (PII) such as SSN, home address, etc.. Do not password protect resume documents as this can hinder document visibility.

To receive additional information about current and future job openings with AFCS via email notification, please subscribe at www.Afciviliancareers.com and sign up to "Get Career Updates."

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