Cybersecurity Engineer

Contingent Upon Contract Award Job Summary

The Cybersecurity Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining security measures to protect the organization’s IT infrastructure, networks, and data in support of Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) space technology programs. The role includes assessing vulnerabilities, responding to security incidents, ensuring compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) risk management frameworks and industry standards, and supporting both space and ground system security requirements.

• Support obtaining and maintaining Authority to Operate (ATO) processes for ground and space systems in accordance with DoD risk management frameworks.
• Implement and maintain security controls for cloud computing architectures, disaggregated ground networks, and mission operations infrastructure.
• Provide cybersecurity for mission operations centers, flight operations, and spacecraft command and control systems across multiple classification levels.
• Design, implement, and manage security solutions to protect networks, systems, and data for space technology development and operations.
• Develop and maintain secure system architectures and security controls for ground systems, mission operations centers, and hardware/software-in-the-loop testing environments.
• Conduct risk assessments and recommend mitigation strategies in compliance with DoD risk management frameworks.
• Implement cross-domain solutions to move data between different classification levels.
• Monitor security events and respond to threats using SIEM tools across SIPR, JWICS, and other classified networks.
• Investigate and remediate security incidents, vulnerabilities, and breaches affecting space mission systems and conduct root‑cause analysis.
• Support development of vehicle fault detection reporting systems and anomaly detection algorithms.
• Ensure adherence to cybersecurity policies, frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001), and DoD security requirements for space systems.
• Lead cybersecurity compliance activities for ATO processes and assist with audits and security assessments to maintain compliance with AFRL security standards.
• Develop and maintain security documentation, including policies, procedures, and security classification guidance.
• Implement security controls for cloud-based ground station networks and commercial ground station interfaces.
• Support physical and cloud-based ground system maintenance for mission operations and manage security for procurement of cloud computing access and storage supporting space missions.
• Support cybersecurity for hardware/software-in-the-loop and testing environments.
• Provide cybersecurity support for mission operations centers and flight operations, coordinate security requirements across spacecraft operations, ground systems, and user segments, and support configuration management of security controls throughout the mission lifecycle.
• Provide on‑call security support as required for mission‑critical operations.
• Provide security training and awareness programs for employees supporting classified space programs.
• Stay up to date on emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and industry trends affecting space systems and recommend security enhancements to improve organizational resilience.

• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• 3‑10 years of experience in cybersecurity, network security, or related fields.
• Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Industry certifications: CISSP, CEH, CISM, or Security+.
• Experience with DoD Authority to Operate processes and risk management frameworks (RMF).
• Experience with security tools such as SIEM, firewalls, IDS/IPS, and endpoint protection.
• Hands‑on experience in penetration testing, vulnerability management, and security incident response.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles, frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001, NIST 800‑53), and best practices.
• Proficiency in security tools, firewalls, and network security protocols.
• Experience with cloud security for AWS Gov Cloud, Azure Government, or Google Cloud.
• Experience working in SCIF/SAPF environments and on classified networks…