Lead Security Engineer - Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM)

Description

The company tests reusable hypersonic flight using autonomous vehicles launched from aircraft, flying at speeds above Mach 5. The data it produces helps customers check system performance and move technologies toward deployment. The team includes engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations staff.

This is a Lead Security Engineer role, also serving as Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM). You will lead the cybersecurity authorization, operation, and continuous monitoring of classified information systems that support the hypersonic programs and advanced engineering work.

You will be the main cybersecurity authority for those classified systems, doing hands-on technical work. You will coordinate with information security, IT, industrial security, engineering, program management, and government stakeholders to build classified computing environments that support mission work.

The strongest candidates have practical IT and security engineering experience and a solid grasp of the Risk Management Framework. You will own a classified system across its full life, from architecture and authorization through operations, continuous monitoring, and decommissioning.

This is a senior individual contributor role with substantial technical ownership. You can help shape the company's classified cybersecurity program as it grows.

Responsibilities

• Act as the designated ISSM for the classified information systems the company is responsible for.
• Lead the implementation of the Risk Management Framework for classified systems.
• Write and maintain System Security Plans, Plans of Action and Milestones, control implementation statements, network diagrams, hardware and software inventories, policies, procedures, and other authorization artifacts.
• Work with IT and engineering to design, build, secure, and run classified computing environments.
• Support the implementation and accreditation work tied to SIPRNet connectivity.
• Set secure configuration baselines based on the applicable DISA STIGs and government guidance.
• Work with program managers and engineering teams early in each program to define classified computing needs.
• Create scalable standards, procedures, templates, and technical baselines for classified systems.
• Coordinate with the Facility Security Officer and the industrial security team on classified information, personnel access, physical security, and security incidents.
• Support the Insider Threat Program as it applies to classified system activity and cybersecurity.
• Train system administrators, engineers, ISSOs, and classified system users, and give them technical guidance.
• Mentor future Information Systems Security Officers and direct their technical work as the classified environment grows.

Requirements

• Required: 5+ years of cybersecurity experience in aerospace, defense, intelligence, national security, or similarly regulated environments.
• Required: Prior formal service as an ISSM or senior ISSO for classified information systems.
• Required: Experience writing or maintaining RMF authorization documents, including SSPs, POA&Ms, security controls, and assessment artifacts.
• Required: Clear communication with engineers, system administrators, program managers, security staff, government representatives, and executives.
• Required: U.S. citizenship.
• Required: Active U.S. Secret clearance or higher.
• Required: Ability to obtain and keep a Top Secret clearance and any additional program accesses needed.
• Required: Ability to work onsite, given the nature of the classified systems and the role's responsibilities.
• Required: A relevant cybersecurity certification such as Security+, CISSP, CISM, or an equivalent.
• Required: Experience with compliance frameworks and standards such as DAAPM, NISPOM, JSIG, ICD 503, NIST 800-53, and NIST 800-171.
• Preferred: Experience standing up a new classified computing environment or taking a system from initial architecture through ATO.
• Preferred: Experience with SIPRNet implementation, authorization, or operations.
• Preferred: Active U.S. Top Secret clearance.
• Education and experience: BS, or applicable experience in place of a degree.

Conditions

Located in Mojave, CA, and the role is onsite.

No travel is required.

9/80 schedule.

Some duties may involve operating company vehicles.

Mojave Air & Spaceport is just outside Lancaster and Palmdale, 95 miles north of Los Angeles. Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco are each within a half day's drive or less.

Pay by experience: 5 to 8 years of relevant experience, $140,000 to $185,000; 8+ years, $173,000 to $220,000.

Base salary and level are set case by case, based on location, education, and the skills and experience shown in interviews.

Benefits

• Healthcare covering medical, dental, vision, and prescription drugs.
• Paid maternity and parental leave.
• 401(k) plan with a 50% company match on each contributed dollar, up to $11,500.
• Tuition reimbursement.