Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) (TS/SCI Clearance Required)

Sierra Space Careers:

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.  

Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.  

Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.

We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to lead its enterprise cybersecurity strategy and operations. The CISO will be responsible for safeguarding the company’s critical information assets, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness. As a member of the IT Senior Leadership Team, the CISO will also play a vital role in driving IT strategy and aligning cybersecurity initiatives with the company’s business objectives.
The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in enterprise cybersecurity, a strong understanding of compliance frameworks (e.g., NIST 800-171, DFARS, ITAR, CMMC 2.0), and experience working in publicly traded companies. The CISO must also be an inspirational leader with the ability to coach and mentor teams while fostering cross-functional collaboration.
Key Responsibilities:
As the leader of cybersecurity initiatives, you will develop and execute the company’s enterprise cybersecurity strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals and industry best practices. This includes designing, implementing, and managing cybersecurity policies, standards, and procedures to protect sensitive information and systems. You will serve as the primary advisor to the executive team and board of directors on cybersecurity risks, trends, and strategies, providing expert guidance to safeguard the organization against evolving threats.
You will ensure compliance with key regulatory frameworks, including NIST 800-171, DFARS, ITAR, and CMMC 2.0, by overseeing risk assessments and mitigation strategies to address vulnerabilities and secure classified and export-controlled information. Collaboration with legal, compliance, and other departments will be essential to maintain adherence to U.S. government regulations and corporate policies. Additionally, you will lead the design and operation of a robust cybersecurity architecture, encompassing network security, endpoint protection, identity and access management, and incident response. Managing the company’s Security Operations Center (SOC) will be a key responsibility, ensuring threats are monitored, detected, and addressed in real time. You will also oversee the implementation of advanced cybersecurity technologies to protect against evolving risks.
In your role, you will build, mentor, and lead a high-performing cybersecurity team, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. By acting as a coach and leader, you will develop technical and leadership skills within the cybersecurity team and across IT. Promoting cybersecurity awareness and training programs across the organization will also be a priority to enhance the overall security posture. As a partner to the IT senior leadership team, you will work to integrate cybersecurity into IT initiatives, ensuring alignment with broader IT and business strategies. You will contribute to the development of IT budgets, roadmaps, and strategic plans, with a focus on prioritizing cybersecurity considerations. Additionally, you will provide security expertise to support IT infrastructure and cloud transformation projects.
Finally, you will ensure the company’s cybersecurity program meets the expectations of public company stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, investors, and auditors. Collaborating with the finance and legal teams, you will help ensure compliance with all relevant cybersecurity regulations and industry standards, reinforcing the company’s commitment to security and risk management.About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission.  

We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Certifications: Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, or similar are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in cybersecurity, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record of managing cybersecurity programs in publicly traded companies.
• Deep knowledge of compliance frameworks, including NIST 800-171, DFARS, ITAR, and CMMC 2.0.
• Experience working in the aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated industries is a strong plus.
• Expertise in enterprise cybersecurity, including threat management, incident response, and security architecture.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire and guide cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex cybersecurity concepts to non-technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance or ability to obtain one is strongly preferred.

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$211,850.00 - $291,312.50

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations. 

 
We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.