Cyber Mission Engineer

Job ID: 6940A
Date Posted: March 24, 2026

Join the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) team, where you'll contribute to groundbreaking innovations! We are seeking applicants for a mid to senior-level Cyber Engineer to join our Space Development Agency Mission Engineering team in our Strategic & Military Space Division.

The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security, providing technological solutions and expert mission support. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our nation’s defense capabilities.

Location: Chantilly, VA or Huntsville, AL preferred but other locations considered

• Note: This advertisement is for Huntsville, AL. Do apply for Chantilly, VA, please go to:

Key Responsibilities:

• Supports the Program Manager and Lead Systems Engineer in technical management of the overall program (this could include tracking cyber/security risks, requirements, interfaces, configurations, and related tasks)
• Develops and applies advanced cybersecurity engineering concepts, theories, and research techniques in support of customer programs and assists corporate cyber capability development activities, as requested
• Adapts cybersecurity requirements and controls of CNSSP-12, CNSSI-1253, NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, and related standards and policies to customer programs, balancing cybersecurity risk with budget and other considerations
• Conducts cybersecurity incident forensic investigations and tests of considerable complexity
• Evaluates program prime contractor security control traceability matrix (SCTM) and software bill of materials (SBOM) products
• Recommends plans of action and milestones (POAMs) leading to Authorizing Official (AO) Authority to Operate
• Engineers and brokers interconnection security agreements between network data product producers and consumers
• Monitors threat and exploit databases and recommends steps to modernize enterprise cybersecurity policy
• May provide technical consultation and work leadership for junior-level employees
• May participate in business development activities such as customer visits or proposal writing
• May take the leadership role in design reviews and larger proposal efforts (this could be as the cyber subject matter expert or overall effort)

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Minimum 10 years’ experience with Bachelor’s, 8 years’ experience with Master’s, or 4 years’ experience with PhD
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Ability to lead and communicate effectively to interdisciplinary technical teams in proposal and design efforts for small- to mid-sized programs
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities
• Demonstrated ability to interpret customer-driven security requirements to determine areas of risk from a technical, cost, and schedule perspective
• Ability to analyze various cyber-attacks and assess the impact to SDL customers’ systems
• Specialized in Red Teaming (Offensive Cyber Operations) or Blue Systems Engineering (Defensive Cyber Operations)
• Expertise with Cyber Test and Evaluation – Tools & Techniques to include Pen testing and performing Vulnerability Assessments
• Expertise with Cloud Cybersecurity and the DISA Cloud Security Requirements Guide
• Cyber experience with Data Management
• Cyber experience with Space Systems and understanding of Threats and Cyber Defense
• Cyber experience with Operational Technology
• Crypto experience with Space Systems and Architectures
• Experience with drafting Cyber/Crypto Requirements
• Knowledge of and/or experience with eMASS artifact database.
• Ability to anticipate and communicate technical risks to program or proposal managers
• Ability to research and implement complex cyber solutions to achieve program objectives
• Ability to mentor junior-level engineers as needed
• Ability to lead small teams to complete projects or proposal efforts
• Ability to obtain advanced/expert level cyber security certifications such as CISSP Concentrations in Architecture (ISSAP) or Engineering (ISSEP), Advanced Exploit Development, other advanced penetration techniques

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Cyber Security related study
• Have an active DoW Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility
• Experience briefing senior leaders with recommendations for critical decisions
• CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), SecAI+ Security Engineer, CyberDefense Pro Analyst, or SecurityX Architect certification

*Salary Range

• • $125,000 to $200,000

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate’s preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

Why Join SDL?
*SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package . Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.

The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 14 days; however, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly

For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact [email protected].