Cybersecurity Space Systems Engineer

As a Cybersecurity Space Systems Engineer at Amentum, you will support NASA deep space exploration by engineering cybersecurity capabilities for spacecraft, communications, and ground systems. The role focuses on building cyber-resilient designs, validating protections across the full systems lifecycle, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to practice and execute secure responses in complex mission environments.

Location and Work Setup

• Houston, TX (onsite)
• Work environment: Generally office-based, with potential inside or outside work depending on assigned tasks

Compensation

• Base pay: $83,700 per year (salary starts at this amount)
• Final compensation: Commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct threat modeling for spacecraft, communication links, and ground systems using space security tools such as SPARTA and related methods
• Design secure internal spacecraft communications using a cryptographic key management framework while preserving critical operations performance
• Review external software and code prior to integration into flight software to help prevent harmful inclusions
• Develop lightweight monitoring tools to detect unexpected behavior in telemetry, commands, and onboard systems
• Build automated safety responses to allow the spacecraft to isolate threats and protect essential systems without real-time support from Earth
• Lead cross-functional cybersecurity exercises or events, coordinating actions between ground station, network engineering, and flight operations teams for secure patching or flight software overrides
• Evaluate engineering designs, interface control documents (ICDs), and flight software architectures to support cyber-resiliency baselines
• Translate cybersecurity objectives into traditional space system engineering deliverables
• Perform engineering trade studies balancing cybersecurity needs (for example cryptographic overhead and zero-trust auditing) against constraints such as limited power, computing, and communications capacity
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 5 years in the field or a related area
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or STEM field
• Experience participating in or reviewing major design milestones such as SRR, PDR, and CDR
• Knowledge 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 requirements against spacecraft constraints (CPU limitations, thermal footprints, limited power budgets, low-telemetry bandwidth)
• Ability to work across disciplines and communicate cyber risk to engineers and mission leadership
• Citizenship: Proof of U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency may be required
• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation

Technologies and Tools

• SPARTA
• Cryptographic key management framework
• Zero-trust auditing
• VxWorks
• RTEMS
• NASA Core Flight System
• C/C++
• Intrusion detection systems (IDS)
• SIEM
• Packet capture analytics
• Telemetry log analysis

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits including 401(k) matching
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax-saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Additional Notes

• Requisition preferences: 5–8 years of growing experience in space systems engineering
• Attendance: Regular attendance in line with the established work schedule is critical; ability to work outside normal hours to meet peak and surge requirements
• Physical requirements: Sitting or standing for extended periods (about 90% of the time); lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs (about 5% of the time)
• Other essential functions: Professional behavior that supports productivity and teamwork; appropriate grooming and dress that does not create safety risks or hazards

Security and Background Investigation

TS/SCI eligibility is required, along with the ability to complete a U.S. government background investigation. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency may be required for this position.