Director, Cyberspace Combat Department

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators.

Join us and take your place in space.

An exciting and strategic leadership opportunity awaits a visionary Director for the Cyberspace Combat Department
within the Cybersecurity and Advanced Platforms Subdivision. This role will focus on safeguarding our national interests by applying advanced technology and innovative methods to win cyber conflicts in the space domain. You will be at the forefront of defensive cyber operations, performing space-focused penetration
testing and cyber assessments, reverse engineering relevant systems, and developing next-generation exploits to ensure cyberspace superiority.

Work Model

This is a fulltime position that is 100% onsite in Chantilly VA,
El Segundo CA, or Colorado Springs CO.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop, lead, and mentor a team of cybersecurity professionals, including experts in defensive cyber operations, cyber assessments, reverse engineering, and exploit development.

• Define and drive the strategic vision for cyber warfare initiatives across space and related defense domains, ensuring alignment with broader Aerospace ETGmission support.

• Collaborate with interagency partners including DoD, Intelligence Community, and Civil Space (e.g., NASA) to formulate and execute strategies that counter emerging cyber threats.

• Oversee and continuously evolve cyber operations strategy, incorporating state-of-the-art technologies and innovative tactics to mitigate risk and exploit adversarial vulnerabilities.

• Ensure robust operational readiness of cyber defensive and offensive systems through rigorous testing, regular assessments, and continuous improvement of processes and procedures.

• Direct and review products including Analysis of Alternatives and Proof-of-Concept prototypes to validate emerging techniques and to inform decision makers.

• Provide thought leadership by integrating insights from reverse engineering, vulnerability assessment, and exploit development to create actionable, intelligence-driven solutions.

• Cultivate a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative environment that attracts and develops top cyber talents while maintaining strong interdepartmental relationships.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Director, Space Cyberspace Warfare Department

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.

• 10or more years’ experience related to relevant experience in a position related to cybersecurity, systems engineering, software development, embedded systems, or similar fields.

• Proven leadership experience overseeing highly technical teams in cyber operations and/or defense-oriented projects.

• In-depth understanding of key cyber warfare domains including:

• Defensive cyber operations and cyber assessments

• Reverse engineering methodologies for electronic and digital systems

• Development and utilization of cyber exploits

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate and influence across teams (staff, peers, and stakeholders).

• Experience supporting mission critical organizational goals, including those related to national security and advanced cyber operations.

• Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites domestically upto approximately 40
  %.

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government.
  
  U.S. citizenship 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 (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related field.

• Hands-on experience with both defensive and offensive cyber…