Reverse Engineer Vulnerability Researcher

About the position 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. Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers. The Cyber Defense Solutions Department (CDSD) resides within ISCD and focuses on critical cyber research, development, and rapid prototyping in the areas of Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO), Hardware Security & Specialty Engineering (HSSE), Reverse Engineering & Exploit Development, and Spacecraft Security. We support a variety of customers including the Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and other civil customers (e.g. NASA) to resolve unique challenges in implementation and research. We are looking for a Project Leader to lead a small team of engineers to perform reverse engineering and vulnerability research on unique space related hardware and software products. Candidates should be familiar with traditional offensive cyber tools, techniques, and procedures and have experience working with space systems. This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team and projects in the areas of vulnerability research on hardware and software for space systems.
• Pair with other government agencies and contractors to develop innovative capabilities.
• Directly contribute to cybersecurity development prototype efforts as well as perform cybersecurity engineering assistance to Aerospace Program Office customers.
• Assist with developing and distributing project tasking to junior engineers.
• Mentor junior staff and interns in the department throughout the year.
• Assist with intern projects during the summer intern season.
• Collaborate with other Aerospace departments and external organizations to develop new technical demonstrations and capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Security/Technology, Computer Science, or STEM related subject area.
• 6 + years of relevant experience in a position related to cybersecurity, systems engineering, software development, embedded systems, or similar fields.
• Proven ability to take initiative, strategically plan and lead complex technical projects, and collaborate effectively.
• Background utilizing one or more programming languages including but not limited to C, C++, Java, Python, or Rust.
• Knowledge of various offensive cyber tools such as Kali, Metasploit, Ghidra, Burp Suite, and competitive (e.g. capture the flag) cyber experience.
• Specialized knowledge of satellite system design and technology.
• Experience using containerization technology such as Docker or Kubernetes.
• Holds one or more industry standard cybersecurity certifications (such as CISSP, C|EH, SANS, etc.).
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site approx. 20% of the time if required.
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced degree in computer science or cybersecurity.
• OSCP certification.
• Developed defeats of common anti-RE techniques (obfuscation).
• Deep knowledge of file systems and formats (ELF, PR, Mach-O).
• Expert with bash, shell, PowerShell, and basic scripting on Linux and Windows platforms.
• Experience with orchestration and automation tools (Jenkins, Puppet, Chef, SOAR, etc.).
• Experience with various cloud offerings and services (AWS, VMWare, Azure, DISA milCloud).
• Current and active TS/SCI clearance.

Benefits

• 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

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