Cybersecurity Space Systems Engineer

Amentum is seeking a Cybersecurity Space Systems Engineer to support NASA deep space exploration through cybersecurity design and testing for spacecraft, communications, and ground systems. This onsite role in Houston, TX focuses on building resilient security capabilities that can operate within the constraints of space missions, from cryptographic communication to autonomous onboard protections.

Role overview

You will apply space-focused threat modeling and security engineering practices to evaluate architectures, interfaces, and flight software, translating cybersecurity goals into space system deliverables. Work includes developing lightweight monitoring and automated safety response approaches, and leading cross-functional cybersecurity exercises that coordinate actions across ground, networks, and flight operations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct threat modeling across spacecraft, communication links, and ground systems using space security tools such as SPARTA.
• Design secure spacecraft internal communications approaches, including a cryptographic key management framework, while protecting critical mission operations.
• Review external software and code prior to compilation into flight software to prevent harmful inclusions.
• Develop lightweight monitoring tools to detect unexpected behavior in telemetry, commands, or onboard systems.
• Build automated safety responses that enable rapid threat isolation and protection of essential systems even without real-time support from Earth.
• Lead cross-functional cybersecurity practice sessions or real events to coordinate actions between ground stations, network engineering teams, and flight operations for secure patching or overrides of flight software.
• Evaluate engineering designs, interface control documents (ICDs), and flight software architectures against cyber-resiliency baselines.
• Translate cybersecurity objectives into traditional space system engineering outputs.
• Perform engineering trade studies to balance cybersecurity strength, such as zero-trust auditing and cryptographic overhead, with limited power, computing, and communication resources in space.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent certification in a related area and minimum 5 years of experience in the field or related area.
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or STEM field such as Aerospace, Space Systems, Computer, Software, or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience participating in or reviewing major design milestones (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR).
• Understanding 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 needs against spacecraft constraints such as CPU limitations, thermal footprints, limited power budgets, and low-telemetry bandwidth.
• Experience across disciplines, including communicating cyber risks to engineers and mission leaders who may not specialize in cybersecurity.
• 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 details

• Location: Houston, TX (onsite)
• Requisition preferences: 5–8 years of growing experience in space systems engineering
• Work environment: Generally office environment, with potential inside or outside work depending on tasks
• Physical requirements: Sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time); lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs (5% of time)
• Attendance: Regular attendance is critical; ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust during peak periods and surge requirements

Compensation

Salary starts at $83,700 per year. Final pay will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications.