Director, Cyberspace Combat Department

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.

An exciting and strategic leadership opportunity awaits a visionary Director for the Cyberspace Combat Department within the Cybersecurity and Advanced Platforms Subdivision. This role will focus on safeguarding our national interests by applying advanced technology and innovative methods to win cyber conflicts in the space domain. You will be at the forefront of defensive cyber operations, performing space - focused penetration testing and cyber assessments , reverse engineering relevant systems, and developing next-generation exploits to ensure cyberspace superiority.

Work Model

Thi s is a fulltime po sition that is 100 % onsite in Chantilly VA, El Segundo CA, or Colorado Springs CO.

What You'll Be Doing

• Develop, lead, and mentor a team of cybersecurity professionals, including experts in defensive cyber operations, cyber assessments, reverse engineering, and exploit development.

• Define and drive the strategic vision for cyber warfare initiatives across space and related defense domains, ensuring alignment with broader Aerospace ETG mission support .

• Collaborate with interagency partners including DoD, Intelligence Community, and Civil Space (e.g., NASA) to formulate and execute strategies that counter emerging cyber threats.

• Oversee and continuously evolve cyber operations strategy, incorporating state-of-the-art technologies and innovative tactics to mitigate risk and exploit adversarial vulnerabilities.

• Ensure robust operational readiness of cyber defensive and offensive systems through rigorous testing, regular assessments, and continuous improvement of processes and procedures.

• Direct and review products including Analysis of Alternatives and Proof-of-Concept prototypes to validate emerging techniques and to inform decision makers.

• Provide thought leadership by integrating insights from reverse engineering, vulnerability assessment, and exploit development to create actionable, intelligence-driven solutions.

• Cultivate a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative environment that attracts and develops top cyber talents while maintaining strong interdepartmental relationships.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Director, Space Cyberspace Warfare Department

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

• 10 or more years' experience related to relevant experience in a position related to cybersecurity, systems engineering, software development, embedded systems, or similar fields.

• Proven leadership experience overseeing highly technical teams in cyber operations and /or defense-oriented projects.

• In-depth understanding of key cyber warfare domains including:

• Defensive cyber operations and cyber assessments

• Reverse engineering methodologies for electronic and digital systems

• Development and utilization of cyber exploits

• S trong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate and influence across tea ms (staff, peers, and stakeholders ) .

• Experience supporting mission critical organizational goals, including those related to national security and advanced cyber operations.

• Willingness to travel occ asionally to work locations or customer sites domestically up to approximately 40 % .

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance , which is issued by the US government . U.S. citizenship 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, or a related field.

• Hands-on experience with both defensive and offensive cyber operations in high-stakes environments, particularly within government or defense sectors.

• Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing innovative cyber warfare strategies, including the integration of automated and manual reverse engineering and exploit development techniques.

• Proven track record in successfully managing large-scale cyber operations projects or similar high-impact initiatives.

• Possession of advanced cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, OSCP) or specialized training in cyber warfare and threat intelligence.

• Prior experience collaborating with DoD, Intelligence Community, or other national security agencies is highly desirable.

• Current TS/SCI with the ability to obtain SAP clearances, which is issued by the US 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)
$185,100 - $277,600

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 .