Vulnerability Researcher Contractor Jobs in California

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.
The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers' portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.
As a Space Cybersecurity Systems Engineer you will provide cybersecurity systems engineering support to the SSC Space Sensing Directorate Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) programs, in particular the Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) Program.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at Aerospace or government facilities in El Segundo, CA.
What You'll Be Doing

• Provide comprehensive cybersecurity systems engineering support to government and contracted personnel in the areas of cyber security and cyber test.
• Engineer, implement and monitor security measures for the protection of computer systems, networks and information throughout the system development lifecycle.
• Review and design security architecture for next generation space mission ground systems and provide recommendations on security improvements to the system's baseline.
• Identify and define system security requirements and develop detailed cybersecurity designs that align with and complement mission objectives.
• Identify and recommend strategies for mitigation and/or removal of ground and space cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
• Participate in risk management activities to ensure cybersecurity vulnerabilities are evaluated and effective mitigations applied in accordance with security directives.
• Provide cybersecurity expertise in support of critical decision points and provide ground truth assessments of security events/activities and posture.
• Review cybersecurity test procedures for requirements satisfaction, including participation in Test Readiness Review activities and witnessing test events.

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Senior Project Engineer - Cyber Security Architecture:

• 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.
• Demonstrated experience leading cybersecurity teams and programs, with the ability to analyze complex problems and deliver effective solutions in high pressure environments that directly impact mission success.
• Experience defining and analyzing threat/vulnerability likelihood, coupled with mission impact, to determine risk.
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site approx. 20% of the time if required.
• This position requires an active Top Secret/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US 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.
• Multiple cybersecurity certification (CISSP, CISSP-ISSAP, CISSP-ISSEP, C|EH, SANS, etc.)
• Understanding of satellite system design and technology along with the challenges associated with securing them.
• Experience with Defensive Cyberspace Operations (DCO) planning and implementation.
• Experience with various cloud offerings and services (AWS, Azure, VMWare, and other relevant technologies).
• Experience developing technical solutions and new security tools to help mitigate security vulnerabilities and automate repeatable tasks.

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)
$166,400.00 - $249,600.00
Pay Basis: Annual
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.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.