Mission Security Engineer III

YOUR MISSION

As a Mission Security Engineer III, you will be a critical technical expert securing national security space systems, classified ground-based Command and Control (C2) infrastructure, and space vehicle hardware and software.

This is a hands-on role that blends deep technical Information Technology (IT) expertise with cybersecurity and compliance acumen. We are looking for candidates with deep expertise in at least one of the following disciplines:

• Cybersecurity compliance (NIST 800-53 controls implementation and validation)
• DevSecOps
• Software Development
• Operating systems & hosting (Windows / Linux)
• Cloud infrastructure deployment (AWS/Azure)
• Containerization infrastructure, Kubernetes, EKS, AKS
• Boundary protection
• Endpoint Detection and Response / Extended Detection and Response (EDR/XDR)
• Security Information and Event Management / Security Operations Center (SIEM/SOC) deployment

You will work as part of a highly capable, cross-functional team to design, deploy, measure, and document classified systems from the ground up — navigating dynamic, cross-program priorities that change daily. You will be responsible for ensuring our systems meet the most rigorous federal security standards while accelerating delivery of critical warfighting capabilities to Department of War and Intelligence Community customers.

This is an ideal role for a security-focused technologist with deep IT or cybersecurity technical skills who is eager to take novel, innovative approaches to cybersecurity and compliance. If you're energized by the challenges of securing mission-critical systems that protect lives and national interests, join our team.

Responsibilities

• Implement end-to-end security controls for ground-based C2 systems, spacecraft hardware and software platforms, spanning firmware, embedded systems, cloud-native applications, and operational technology
• Ensure security architectures enable effective monitoring, logging, and incident response without compromising operational tempo
• Implement security controls and zero trust architecture throughout the product development lifecycle, minimizing RMF findings through strong upfront engineering
• Implement and validate DISA STIG requirements at the OS, container, platform, and application layers within products as they are developed
• Integrate RMF controls into CI/CD pipelines through DevSecOps practices including Infrastructure as Code (IaC), automated security scanning, and continuous monitoring tooling
• Identify and remediate findings from STIGs, vulnerability scans, penetration testing, and SCA activities to maintain ATO posture
• Support all RMF Steps 1–6, with emphasis on control implementation, assessment preparation, and remediation for DoD and IC programs
• Ensure compliance with NIST 800-53, CNSSI 1253, ICD 503, JSIG, and other applicable frameworks for National Security Systems (NSS) handling classified information up to TS/SCI
• Support cloud Provisional Authorization (PA) and inherited control models across classified cloud environments (e.g., Impact Level (IL)-6 Cloud Service Providers (CSPs))
• Contribute technically to security artifacts including SSPs, SAPs, SARs, and POA&Ms
• Serve as a credible technical voice with government ISSOs, ISSEs, and third-party assessors during ATO and reauthorization activities

Required Qualifications

• 3–5 years of combined experience in a technical IT field, security engineering, DevSecOps, and/or software development
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility required
• DoD 8140 IAT Level II certification (Security+, CySA+, or equivalent) required
• Experience implementing or utilizing NSA Type 1 cryptographic solutions in operational systems
• Experience with RMF processes and achieving ATOs for complex systems
• Working knowledge of NIST SP 800-53 security controls and how they map to technical implementation
• Hands-on experience implementing STIGs at the OS, container, platform, and application level
• Familiarity with space system architectures including satellite operations, ground segments, and TT&C systems
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph
• Direct experience securing C2 systems, space systems, or other DoD mission systems
• Experience supporting DoD or IC customers through ATO, re-ATO, or continuous authorization
• Direct experience within IL-5 or IL-6 impact level cloud environments
• Knowledge of cloud security control inheritance and shared responsibility models within DoD IL-5 or IL-6 environments
• Familiarity with Cross Domain Solutions (CDS), data guards, or other information flow control technologies
• Experience with FedRAMP High, CMMC, or DoD IL-5/IL-6 authorizations
• Experience integrating security tooling (e.g., SIEMs, vulnerability scanners, audit/logging systems) into development workflows
• Understanding of zero trust architectures and modern identity solutions applied to classified environments

Work Environment

• This role will be onsite in Denver, CO (preferred) or Long Beach, CA #LI-Onsite 
• Fast-paced, mission-critical environment supporting national security space operations
• Requires coordination across distributed teams including spacecraft engineers, ground operations, and government partners
• May require participation in on-call rotation for security incident response and mission-critical system support
• High degree of autonomy and ownership as a trusted, cleared team member
• Occasional travel to government sites, launch facilities, or partner locations may be required

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and clearance level
• Opportunity to drive security posture for cutting-edge space systems with national security impact
• Professional development support including conferences, training, and security certifications
• Collaborative culture working alongside spacecraft engineers, mission operators, and experienced security professionals
• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

Compensation

• Colorado Base Salary: $120,000–$170,000
• California Base Salary: $125,000–$180,000 for Long Beach
• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave
• Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.
  

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.