Cyberspace Assessments & Exploitation Manager

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 Cyberspace Combat Department (CCD) within the Cyberspace Systems Security Subdivision (CS3) is at the forefront of defending our Nation's interests in, from, and to the space domain. Our team of leading cybersecurity professionals specializes in defensive cyber operations, space-focused cyber assessments, reverse engineering, and exploit development to ensure cyberspace superiority in support of space control operations. We integrate cutting-edge technologies with deep expertise in cyber warfare to deliver combat-credible capabilities that enable the Joint warfighter to achieve space superiority.

We are seeking a Cyberspace Assessments & Exploitation Manager to lead and develop world-class cybersecurity assessment and penetration testing teams within the CCD. This role directly supports the U.S. Space Force (USSF), Intelligence Community, Civil Space agencies including NASA, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by conducting comprehensive cyber assessments and vulnerability research. You will lead cybersecurity assessment operations teams that identify vulnerabilities, validate security controls, and enhance the resilience of space systems and critical infrastructure against sophisticated cyber threats. This position also serves as CCD's strategic coordination lead for partnerships and collaborative growth with USCYBERCOM, the IC, NASA, and DHS, playing a vital role in protecting space capabilities across all three segments (orbital, link, and terrestrial) while fostering critical interagency relationships that strengthen national spacepower.

This is a full-time position based 100% onsite in Chantilly, VA.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead Cybersecurity Assessment and Penetration Testing Operations: Manage and execute comprehensive cybersecurity assessment and penetration testing programs supporting the Intelligence Community, USSF mission systems, NASA civil space programs, and Department of Homeland Security critical infrastructure protection initiatives.
• Support Space Superiority Through Cyber Assessments: Integrate cybersecurity assessment capabilities with USSF operations to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in friendly space systems, enhancing defensive posture and directly contributing to space superiority.
• Coordinate Across the National Security Enterprise: Serve as CCD's primary liaison and coordination lead for strategic partnerships with USCYBERCOM, IC, NASA, and DHS.
• Develop and Mentor High-Performance Teams: Lead, develop, and mentor teams of cybersecurity assessment professionals, penetration testers, vulnerability researchers, and reverse engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Drive Strategic Assessment Program Integration: Lead efforts to integrate cutting-edge cyber assessment methodologies, automated vulnerability discovery, reverse engineering capabilities, and threat-informed penetration testing into current and future space system security validation programs, ensuring alignment with broader Aerospace Engineering Technology Group (ETG) mission support.
• Oversee Multi-Agency Assessment Support: Direct cybersecurity assessment operations, vulnerability research, space vehicle defense assessments, space analytics and detection, and comprehensive cybersecurity evaluations across USSF Mission Deltas, Intelligence Community systems, NASA missions, and DHS critical infrastructure to maintain robust security postures.
• Exercise Mission Command and Deliver Results: Operate strategically, engage with impact across interagency partners, lead change, foster innovation in assessment methodologies, and deliver results in a dynamic, contested, and operationally limited space environment where cyberspace assessments are critical to space warfighting and national security.

What You Need to be Successful - Cyberspace Warfare Operations and Sustainment Manager

Minimum Requirements:

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

• 10 or more years of relevant experience in cybersecurity, penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, systems engineering, software development, embedded systems, or similar fields with demonstrated progression in technical leadership.

• Proven leadership experience managing and mentoring highly technical teams in cyber assessments, penetration testing, and/or defense-oriented cybersecurity projects supporting national security missions.

• In-depth understanding of cyber assessment and exploitation domains as they apply to space operations and critical infrastructure, including:

• Defensive cyberspace operations (DCO) and comprehensive cyber assessments for space systems

• Penetration testing methodologies for complex systems including space systems, embedded systems, and critical infrastructure

• Reverse engineering methodologies and vulnerability research

• Joint cyberspace policy, doctrine, authorities, and operations

• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to influence and coordinate across multi-disciplinary teams, agencies, and stakeholders, including Intelligence Community partners, military organizations, civil space agencies, and homeland security entities.

• Experience supporting mission-critical organizational goals related to national security, space operations, intelligence operations, and critical infrastructure protection.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strategic partnerships with external organizations and government agencies.

• Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations, customer sites, or partner agency facilities domestically up to approximately 20%.

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. 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 (Master's or Ph.D.) in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with both defensive and offensive cyberspace operations in high-stakes, contested environments, particularly within DoW, Space Force, Intelligence Community, or Civil Space mission operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing innovative cybersecurity assessment strategies that integrate with space control operations and multi-agency security programs.
• Possession of advanced cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, OSCP, CEH, GXPN, CRTO, or CPTS) or specialized training in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, cyber threat intelligence, space systems security, or offensive/defensive cyber operations.
• Prior experience collaborating with Intelligence Community agencies, U.S. Space Force, DoD, USCYBERCOM, USSPACECOM, NASA, Department of Homeland Security, or other national security and civil space agencies in support of cybersecurity missions.
• Experience with space system architectures, satellite communications systems, ground segment infrastructure, or space-specific cybersecurity challenges.
• Former member of USCYBERCOM Cyber Mission Forces or Intelligence Community cyber assessment teams.
• Current TS/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain Special Access Program (SAP) clearances, which is issued by the U.S. government.

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)

$147,600.00 - $221,400.00

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.