support a high-visibility, mission-critical national security program
identifying, assessing, and mitigating threats to space, cyber, and ground systems
apply operational security (OPSEC), counterintelligence, cyber defense, and threat principles to protect sensitive capabilities
conduct mission protection assessments to identify vulnerabilities across space, cyber, and ground architectures
collaborate with mission planners, operators, and mission partners to integrate protection strategies throughout the system lifecycle
support the development of mitigation plans and help implement countermeasures aligned with mission assurance priorities
coordinate with DoD and IC stakeholders to ensure protection efforts are synchronized with national-level guidance and classification policies
develop and maintain program-specific threat models, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and risk management frameworks
contribute to red/blue team assessments, tabletop exercises, and program security reviews
prepare briefings and documentation for senior leadership on threat assessments, mitigation strategies, and mission assurance outcomes
ability to obtain and maintain a crew operations certification
able to work independently and collaboratively in classified operations centers, supporting 24/7 mission requirements if needed

Bachelor’s degree and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience
Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience
In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience
Active Top Secret/SCI with CI Poly clearance required
Experience with threat modeling, vulnerability analysis, and risk management
Experience working with or supporting a Weapons and Tactics (W&T) team, with familiarity in integrating protection strategies
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior stakeholders
DoD/NRO Systems Liaison / Field Representative
Strong Orbital Mechanics Background
System Tool Kit (STK) Level 2/3 Certification; Orbit Determination Tool Kit (ODTK)

Senior Specialist, Systems Engineer – Mission Protection

Key skills