Cybersecurity Space Systems Engineer

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!      We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA’s pursuits in deep space exploration. As NASA’s largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States.  We have an exciting opportunity for a Cybersecurity Space Systems Engineer to join the JETSII Contract! This role is a unique blend of space engineering and cybersecurity. Instead of focusing solely on how a spacecraft works, this position focuses on how to keep it safe from deliberate cyber threats. You will help protect the full range of NASA mission systems: from the spacecraft and its onboard computers to the communication links that send commands to the ground systems that support missions. A cyber-attack on a NASA spacecraft isn’t just a technical problem. It can threaten astronaut safety and put extremely valuable scientific missions at risk. In this role, you will help design systems that can detect unusual behavior, isolate issues, and recover on their own while in space. You will help plan, build, and test cybersecurity features that ensure NASA’s missions remain safe, reliable, and resilient, even under challenging conditions. The Cybersecurity Space Systems Engineer will: Conduct threat modeling across the spacecraft, communication links, and ground systems using space focused security tools (e.g., SPARTA) and methods.  Design secure ways for a spacecraft’s internal systems to communicate (cryptographic key management framework) without slowing down critical operations. Review outside software and code before it is compiled into the flight software ensuring nothing harmful is introduced. Develop lightweight monitoring tools that monitor for unexpected behavior in telemetry, commands, or onboard systems. Build automated safety responses so the spacecraft can quickly isolate a threat and protect essential systems even without real time support from Earth. Lead cross-functional teams through practice or real cybersecurity events, helping coordinate actions between ground stations, network engineering teams, and flight operations to securely patch or override flight software. Evaluate engineering designs evaluate designs, interface control documents (ICDs), and flight software architectures to ensure adherence to rigorous cyber-resiliency baselines. Translate cybersecurity goals into traditional space system engineering deliverables. Perform engineering trade studies to find the right balance between strong cybersecurity postures (e.g., cryptographic overhead, zero-trust auditing) against the limited power, computing, and communication resources available in space. Perform other duties as assigned. Requisition Qualifications: ​ This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised. Typically requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent certification in a related area and a minimum of 5 years of experience in the field or in a related area. 83700 Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or STEM field such as Aerospace, Space Systems, Computer, Software, or Electrical Engineering. Experience participating in or reviewing major design milestones (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR). Understanding of the systems engineering lifecycle, including writing verifiable requirements, managing verification matrices (V&V via test, analysis, inspection, demonstration), and configuration management. Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance. Experience weighing cybersecurity needs against spacecraft constraints (e.g., CPU limitations, thermal footprints, limited power budgets, and low-telemetry bandwidth). Experience working across disciplines and explaining cyber risks to engineers and mission leaders who may not specialize in cybersecurity. Requisition Preferences: 5–8 years of growing experience in space systems engineering. Master’s degree in Space Systems Engineering with work focused on Cybersecurity Embedded Systems Security, or Autonomous System Resiliency. Strong understanding of real time operating systems (like VxWorks, RTEMS, or NASA Core Flight System) and lower level programming used in spacecraft software (C/C++). Experience applying defensive cybersecurity concepts directly to aerospace systems. Experience working with intrusion detection systems (IDS), SIEM, packet capture analytics, and telemetry log analysis scaled down for resource-constrained environments. Knowledge of how to protect onboard artificial intelligence Compensation: Salary starts at $83,700. Final pay will be commensurate with the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications.   Why Join Our Team? In addition to exciting career opportunities, we also ave: Excellent personal and professional career growth 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch) Much, much more! For more information on our partnership with NASA at Johnson Space Center (JSC), please visit  www.wehavespaceforyou.com Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be a requirement for this position. Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation. Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised. Essential Functions Work Environment Generally, an office en