Cyberspace Warfare Force Development Senior Project Engineer

Job description

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 offensive and 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 (CW) to deliver combat-credible capabilities that enable the Joint warfighter to achieve space superiority. We are seeking a Cyberspace Warfare Force Development Senior Project Engineer to lead critical force development and force generation initiatives within the CCD. This role directly supports Combat Forces Command (CFC) cyberspace weapons and tactics development, Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) cyber range operations, training, and operational testing as well as the broader U.S. Space Force (USSF) mission to organize, train, and equip CW and Cyberspace Operations (CO) forces. You will serve as a technical authority and project engineer responsible for future CW and tactics development, cyber aggressor tactics, operational test and evaluation (OTE), and the integration of emerging cyber technologies into space operations. This position plays a vital role in shaping how Guardians prepare for and conduct CW and supporting CO in support of space control operations, ensuring the USSF can achieve and maintain space superiority through integrated counterspace operations combining CW, Orbital Warfare (OW), and Electromagnetic Warfare (EW). This is a full-time position based 100% onsite in Colorado Springs, CO. What You’ll Be Doing Support CW and CO Force Development & Force Generation: Serve as Senior Project Engineer and technical authority for CCD's CW force development and support force generation efforts for CFC and STARCOM. Drive the development of CW doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) that enable Guardians to generate readiness and conduct offensive and defensive cyberspace operations in support of space control missions. Drive Cyberspace Weapons and Tactics Development: Support CFC cyberspace weapons and tactics development initiatives, conducting operational analysis, supporting wargaming, participating in exercises, and observing experimentation to identify, develop, and validate innovative CW and CO capabilities and employment concepts. Translate operational challenges into requirements for CW tools, techniques, and capabilities that integrate CW with OW and EW. Advocate for CW & CO Operational Problems and Capability Requirements: Support advocacy for cyber operational and capability requirements through CFC and HQ USSF. Support CW and CO mission area working groups and integrated planning teams by identifying gaps, informing warfighting concepts as applied to space operations and space control. Facilitate Cyber Range Development and Operations: Support STARCOM cyber range development and operations by defining technical requirements, integration standards, and operational scenarios that enable realistic training for cyberspace CW in space operations. Ensure cyber ranges replicate operational space mission systems, adversary TTPs, and contested, environments to prepare Guardians for competition, crisis, and high-end conflict. Support Cyber Aggressor Tactics Development: Support the development of cyber aggressor TTPs, adversary playbooks, and threat-representative scenarios that replicate cyber threats targeting space systems. Coordinate with IC partners to ensure aggressor tactics reflect current and emerging adversary TTPs, enabling realistic force-on-force training and operational testing. Facilitate Cyberspace Operational Test and Evaluation & User Acceptance: Facilitate CW and Cyber Operations OT&E activities for capabilities, tools, and systems. Support CFC user acceptance and integration activities that transition capabilities into supported Mission Deltas. Inform Joint Force Design and Doctrine: Contribute to CFC advocacy to USSF Force Design, HQ USSF concept development, and doctrine writing initiatives for CW and CO. Exercise Mission Command and Deliver Results: Operate strategically as a senior technical authority, engage with impact across CFC, STARCOM, operational units, HQ USSF, JROC processes, and industry partners, lead change in CW force development and design, foster innovation in cyber TTPs and capabilities, and deliver measurable results that enhance Guardian readiness and the USSF's ability to present effective CW and CO forces to Combatant Commands. What You Need to be Successful - Cyberspace Force Development Senior Project Engineer Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related STEM discipline. 10 or more years of relevant experience in cyberspace operations, cybersecurity, systems engineering, software development, embedded systems, force development, or similar fields with demonstrated progression in technical leadership and project engineering. Proven leadership experience as a technical authority or project engineer managing highly technical teams in cyber operations, force development, training development, operational testing, and/or defense-oriented projects supporting national security space missions. In-depth understanding of CW and force development domains for space operations, including: Joint Force Requirements Process and Joint Force Design Weapons and tactics development, operational analysis, and wargaming methodologies Cyber range architecture, operations, and training systems Operational test and evaluation (OT&E) processes and methodologies Combined arms concepts in support of space control operations (CW, EW, & OW) Joint Publication 3-14 (Space Operations) and the USSF Space Warfighting Framework Joint and USSF cyberspace policy, doctrine, authorities, and operations Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to influence and coordinate across multi-disciplinary teams, operational units, and training organizations. Experience supporting mission-critical organizational goals related to national security, space operations, force development, and cyberspace warfare capability development. Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations, customer sites, test ranges, or training 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, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Operations Research, or a related field. Hands-on experience with both defensive and offensive cyberspace operations in high-stakes, contested environments, particularly within DoD, Space Force, USCYBERCOM, or IC operations. Demonstrated expertise in force development, weapons and tactics development, or operational concept development for cyberspace operations, space operations, or multi-domain operations. Proven track record in successfully leading operational test and evaluation programs, cyber range development projects, or training system development. Possession of advanced cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, OSCP, CEH, GIAC) or specialized training in cyberspace operations, cyber range operations, or red team/blue team operations Prior experience collaborating with U.S. Space Force (CFC, STARCOM, Mission Delta 6) Former member of USCYBERCOM Cyber Mission Forces or USSF cyber units. 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) $176,400.00 - $264,600.00 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 .