Staff Security Architect (ISSE) - Missile Defense Software
True Anomaly, Denver, CO, United States
A new space race has begun. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build innovative technology that solves the next generation of engineering, manufacturing, and operational challenges for space security and sustainability.
OUR MISSION
The peaceful use of space is essential for continued prosperity on Earth-from communications and finance to navigation and logistics. True Anomaly builds innovative technology at the intersection of spacecraft, software, and AI to enhance the capabilities of the U.S., its allies, and commercial partners. We safeguard global security by ensuring space access and sustainability for all.
OUR VALUES
Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity
What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results
It's the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together
YOUR MISSION
As a Staff Security Architect, you will be the critical technical bridge securing True Anomaly's national security space systems-from our on-orbit satellite constellation to ground-based command and control infrastructure. This is a unique opportunity to architect end-to-end security for one of the most challenging operational environments: space systems operating under stringent national security requirements.
In this role, you will define and implement security architectures that span the full mission lifecycle-satellite operations, ground segments, mission planning systems, and the critical data pathways between them. You will be responsible for ensuring our systems meet the most rigorous federal security standards while maintaining operational effectiveness in contested environments.
This is an ideal role for a security architect who thrives at the intersection of hardware and software security, understands the unique challenges of national security systems, and is energized by the opportunity to secure systems that operate in the most demanding domain humanity has reached.
Active TS/SCI security clearance strongly preferred; minimum Secret clearance required with ability to obtain TS/SCI.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Design and implement end-to-end security architectures for on-orbit satellite constellations and ground-based command and control (C2) systems, spanning spacecraft firmware, embedded systems, cloud infrastructure, and operational technology
Architect and deploy NSA Type 1 cryptographic solutions for classified communications and critical satellite command pathways, ensuring protection of space-to-ground communications and telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) systems
Ensure compliance with national security directives including NIST 800-53, CNSSI 1253, ICD 503, and other applicable frameworks for National Security Systems (NSS) handling classified information up to TS/SCI
Design and implement secure cross-domain solutions (CDS), data guards, and TEMPEST/EMSEC controls where mission requirements demand information flow between security domains or protection from emissions exploitation
Serve as the technical security bridge between spacecraft engineering, ground systems, software development, and mission operations teams, translating security requirements across hardware and software domains
Develop comprehensive threat models specific to space systems, accounting for adversary capabilities across RF spectrum, cyber, and physical domains to inform defensive architecture decisions
Partner with detection and response teams to ensure security architectures enable effective monitoring, logging, and incident response without compromising operational capability
Conduct security architecture reviews and provide authoritative guidance on secure design patterns for both space and ground segments as constellation capabilities evolve
Communicate complex security requirements, risk trade-offs, and compliance strategies to diverse stakeholders including engineering teams, executive leadership, and government customers
QUALIFICATIONS
10+ years of experience in security architecture, security engineering, or related roles with increasing responsibility
Active TS/SCI security clearance strongly preferred; minimum Secret clearance required with ability to obtain TS/SCI
Demonstrated experience implementing NSA Type 1 cryptographic solutions in operational national security systems
Proven expertise with the Risk Management Framework (RMF) processes and achieving ATOs for complex systems
Strong understanding of NIST 800-53 security controls, tailoring, and implementation across hybrid environments
Experience architecting security for systems combining hardware, firmware, embedded systems, and software components
Deep knowledge of cryptographic protocols, key management, and secure communications architectures
Familiarity with space system architectures including satellite operations, ground segments, and telemetry/command systems
Excellent communication skills with ability to articulate security requirements to diverse audiences including government stakeholders
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph
Direct experience securing satellite systems, spacecraft, or other aerospace platforms
Experience with CNSSI 1253, ICD 503, JSIG or other Intelligence Community security standards
Familiarity with Cross Domain Solutions (CDS), data guards, or other information flow control technologies
Knowledge of RF security, anti-jam techniques, and secure satellite communications
Experience with CMMC, FedRAMP High, or DoD Impact Level 5/6 authorizations
Understanding of supply chain risk management (SCRM) for national security systems
Relevant certifications such as CISSP-ISSAP, CCSP, CEH, or vendor-specific security certifications
Experience supporting red team or penetration testing activities against complex systems
Background in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or related technical discipline
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Fast-paced, mission-critical environment supporting national security space operations
Requires coordination across distributed teams including spacecraft engineers, ground operations, and government partners
May require participation in on-call rotation for security incident response and mission-critical system support
High degree of autonomy and ownership as a founding security architecture leader
Direct access to executive leadership and opportunity to shape security strategy for emerging space capabilities
Occasional travel to government sites, launch facilities, or partner locations may be required
COMPENSATION
Base Salary:
Denver: $160,000 - $220,000, Long Beach: $165,000 - $230,000
Equity + Benefits
including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Work Location -while we observe a hybrid work environment, you will need to be onsite as the business needs require. On an average week, you can expect to spend at least 3 days per week in office.
Work environment -the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
Physical demands -the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.
This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Hybrid
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.
OUR MISSION
The peaceful use of space is essential for continued prosperity on Earth-from communications and finance to navigation and logistics. True Anomaly builds innovative technology at the intersection of spacecraft, software, and AI to enhance the capabilities of the U.S., its allies, and commercial partners. We safeguard global security by ensuring space access and sustainability for all.
OUR VALUES
Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity
What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results
It's the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together
YOUR MISSION
As a Staff Security Architect, you will be the critical technical bridge securing True Anomaly's national security space systems-from our on-orbit satellite constellation to ground-based command and control infrastructure. This is a unique opportunity to architect end-to-end security for one of the most challenging operational environments: space systems operating under stringent national security requirements.
In this role, you will define and implement security architectures that span the full mission lifecycle-satellite operations, ground segments, mission planning systems, and the critical data pathways between them. You will be responsible for ensuring our systems meet the most rigorous federal security standards while maintaining operational effectiveness in contested environments.
This is an ideal role for a security architect who thrives at the intersection of hardware and software security, understands the unique challenges of national security systems, and is energized by the opportunity to secure systems that operate in the most demanding domain humanity has reached.
Active TS/SCI security clearance strongly preferred; minimum Secret clearance required with ability to obtain TS/SCI.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Design and implement end-to-end security architectures for on-orbit satellite constellations and ground-based command and control (C2) systems, spanning spacecraft firmware, embedded systems, cloud infrastructure, and operational technology
Architect and deploy NSA Type 1 cryptographic solutions for classified communications and critical satellite command pathways, ensuring protection of space-to-ground communications and telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) systems
Ensure compliance with national security directives including NIST 800-53, CNSSI 1253, ICD 503, and other applicable frameworks for National Security Systems (NSS) handling classified information up to TS/SCI
Design and implement secure cross-domain solutions (CDS), data guards, and TEMPEST/EMSEC controls where mission requirements demand information flow between security domains or protection from emissions exploitation
Serve as the technical security bridge between spacecraft engineering, ground systems, software development, and mission operations teams, translating security requirements across hardware and software domains
Develop comprehensive threat models specific to space systems, accounting for adversary capabilities across RF spectrum, cyber, and physical domains to inform defensive architecture decisions
Partner with detection and response teams to ensure security architectures enable effective monitoring, logging, and incident response without compromising operational capability
Conduct security architecture reviews and provide authoritative guidance on secure design patterns for both space and ground segments as constellation capabilities evolve
Communicate complex security requirements, risk trade-offs, and compliance strategies to diverse stakeholders including engineering teams, executive leadership, and government customers
QUALIFICATIONS
10+ years of experience in security architecture, security engineering, or related roles with increasing responsibility
Active TS/SCI security clearance strongly preferred; minimum Secret clearance required with ability to obtain TS/SCI
Demonstrated experience implementing NSA Type 1 cryptographic solutions in operational national security systems
Proven expertise with the Risk Management Framework (RMF) processes and achieving ATOs for complex systems
Strong understanding of NIST 800-53 security controls, tailoring, and implementation across hybrid environments
Experience architecting security for systems combining hardware, firmware, embedded systems, and software components
Deep knowledge of cryptographic protocols, key management, and secure communications architectures
Familiarity with space system architectures including satellite operations, ground segments, and telemetry/command systems
Excellent communication skills with ability to articulate security requirements to diverse audiences including government stakeholders
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph
Direct experience securing satellite systems, spacecraft, or other aerospace platforms
Experience with CNSSI 1253, ICD 503, JSIG or other Intelligence Community security standards
Familiarity with Cross Domain Solutions (CDS), data guards, or other information flow control technologies
Knowledge of RF security, anti-jam techniques, and secure satellite communications
Experience with CMMC, FedRAMP High, or DoD Impact Level 5/6 authorizations
Understanding of supply chain risk management (SCRM) for national security systems
Relevant certifications such as CISSP-ISSAP, CCSP, CEH, or vendor-specific security certifications
Experience supporting red team or penetration testing activities against complex systems
Background in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or related technical discipline
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Fast-paced, mission-critical environment supporting national security space operations
Requires coordination across distributed teams including spacecraft engineers, ground operations, and government partners
May require participation in on-call rotation for security incident response and mission-critical system support
High degree of autonomy and ownership as a founding security architecture leader
Direct access to executive leadership and opportunity to shape security strategy for emerging space capabilities
Occasional travel to government sites, launch facilities, or partner locations may be required
COMPENSATION
Base Salary:
Denver: $160,000 - $220,000, Long Beach: $165,000 - $230,000
Equity + Benefits
including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Work Location -while we observe a hybrid work environment, you will need to be onsite as the business needs require. On an average week, you can expect to spend at least 3 days per week in office.
Work environment -the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
Physical demands -the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.
This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Hybrid
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.