Manager, Mission Security Engineering

YOUR MISSION 

As Manager, Mission Security Engineering, you will build and lead True Anomaly's Mission Security Engineering team, the function responsible for securing our national security space systems from on-orbit satellite constellations to ground-based command and control (C2) infrastructure and missile defense software platforms. 

This is a founding leadership role. You will define and drive the security engineering strategy across the full mission lifecycle, own the RMF Authority to Operate (ATO) roadmap for classified systems at IL-6, and TS/SCI classification levels, and directly manage a team of ISSEs who execute that vision day-to-day. You are not just a manager, you remain a credible technical force: engaging government assessors, reviewing security architectures, and diving into complex compliance challenges alongside your team when it matters most. 

This is the right role for a security leader who can set strategy and hold a pen, build high-performing teams and earn their trust, and navigate the unique demands of national security space systems with rigor and operational urgency. 

Active TS/SCI security clearance is required. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Team Leadership & Strategy 

• Build, lead, and develop the Mission Security Engineering team, currently comprising Staff ISSEs supporting space vehicle and ground C2 programs 

• Define the team's multi-program RMF ATO strategy and execution roadmap across IL-6, and TS/SCI classified environments 

• Establish security engineering processes, standards, and tooling that scale as True Anomaly's constellation and ground segment capabilities grow 

• Partner with Engineering, Mission Operations, and Program leadership to integrate security requirements from concept through operations 

• Serve as the internal authority and executive-facing voice on mission security posture, compliance status, and risk trade-offs across classified programs 

• Recruit and retain exceptional security engineering talent; provide technical mentorship and career development for team members 

• Architect and review end-to-end security designs for ground-based C2 systems, missile defense software platforms, and on-orbit satellite constellations spanning firmware, cloud-native applications, and operational technology 

• Engage directly with government ISSOs, ISSEs, and third-party assessors during ATO, re-ATO, and continuous authorization activities; serve as a credible technical peer 

• Lead threat modeling efforts specific to space and C2 systems, accounting for adversary capabilities across RF spectrum, cyber, and physical domains 

• Review and contribute to critical security artifacts including SSPs, SAPs, SARs, and POA&Ms to ensure technical accuracy and ATO readiness 

• Guide the team's implementation of NSA Type 1 cryptographic solutions, DISA STIGs, and NIST SP 800-53 controls across classified programs 

• Maintain awareness of the evolving national security threat landscape and translate intelligence into architectural and programmatic security decisions 

• Serve as the security bridge between spacecraft engineering, ground systems, software development, C2 operations, and government mission partners 

• Communicate complex security requirements, risk trade-offs, and program compliance status to executive leadership and government customers 

• Champion DevSecOps practices across the engineering organization, ensuring RMF controls are integrated into CI/CD pipelines from the start 

• Represent True Anomaly's security posture in government and partner forums, including program reviews and authorization milestones 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• 12+ years of experience in security architecture, security engineering, or information systems security, with at least 3 years in a people management or team lead capacity 

• Active TS/SCI security clearance required 

• Proven track record leading teams through complex RMF processes and achieving ATOs for classified systems at IL-5, IL-6, or TS/SCI levels 

• Strong working knowledge of NIST SP 800-53, CNSSI 1253, Space PlatformOverlay, Intelligence Overlay, ICD 503, JSIG, and other applicable frameworks for National Security Systems 

• Demonstrated experience implementing or overseeing NSA Type 1 cryptographic solutions in operational national security programs 

• Hands-on experience with DISA STIG implementation and validation across OS, container, platform, and application layers 

• Experience architecting security for systems spanning hardware, firmware, embedded systems, and cloud-native software 

• Deep knowledge of cryptographic protocols, key management, and secure communications architectures 

• Familiarity with space system architectures including satellite operations, ground segments, and TT&C systems 

• DoD 8570.01-M / DoD 8140 IAM Level III certification (CISM or full CISSP) required 

• Exceptional communication skills; able to represent technical security posture to senior government stakeholders and executive leadership with equal credibility 

• 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 C2 systems, missile defense software platforms, satellite systems, or other DoD/IC mission systems 

• Experience leading teams through DoD or IC ATO, re-ATO, or continuous authorization programs 

• Familiarity with Cross Domain Solutions (CDS), data guards, or other information flow control technologies 

• Knowledge of cloud security control inheritance and shared responsibility models within IL-6 classified cloud environments 

• Knowledge of RF security, anti-jam techniques, and secure satellite communications 

• Understanding of zero trust architectures and modern identity solutions applied to classified environments 

• Understanding of supply chain risk management (SCRM) for national security systems 

• Relevant certifications such as CISSP-ISSAP, CCSP, or vendor-specific security certifications 

• Background in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or a 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, software developers, 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 engineering leader 

• Direct access to executive leadership with opportunity to shape security strategy for emerging space capabilities 

• Occasional travel to government sites, launch facilities, or partner locations may be required 

COMPENSATION 

• Colorado Base Salary: $145,000–$195,000 

• California Base Salary: $150,000–$205,000 

• 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—this role will be onsite at our Denver or Long Beach 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. #LI-Onsite 

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 know.