This position will be based out of our corporate headquarters in Cedar Park, TX
RESPONSIBILITIES
National Security Systems Compliance: CNSSP-12 & CNSSI 53
Serve as subject matter expert for CNSSP-12 and CNSSI 53 requirements, translating policy mandates into specific system security requirements and control baselines for space vehicles, ground stations, and mission support systems
Lead security categorization activities per CNSSI 53, determining appropriate Impact Levels (IL) and establishing control overlays for all national security systems
Develop and maintain system security architecture documentation, including data flow diagrams, security boundary definitions, and control inheritance mappings
Coordinate with system owners and engineering teams to identify security control implementation requirements and validate that technical solutions meet policy mandates
Conduct security impact assessments, threat modeling, and risk assessments on proposed architectures, system changes, and configuration updates
Review and approve technical security requirements in system specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), and engineering design documentation
Risk Management Framework (RMF) System Authorization
Manage end-to-end RMF processes per NIST SP 800-37 Rev. 2 for multiple concurrent systems to achieve and maintain Authorities to Operate (ATOs)
Develop, maintain, and update System Security Plans (SSPs), Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms), and coordinate Security Assessment Reports (SARs)
Coordinate independent security control assessments with Security Control Assessors (SCAs) or third-party assessment organizations
Prepare and deliver authorization packages to Authorizing Officials, including executive summaries, risk determinations, and authorization recommendations
Present compliance briefings to senior management, government customers, and AOs regarding security posture, risk status, and authorization timelines
Continuous Monitoring and Control Validation
Establish and operate continuous monitoring programs per NIST SP 800-137, defining security metrics, collection mechanisms, and reporting cadences
Validate system configurations comply with Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), DISA baselines, and DoD security configuration requirements
Review vulnerability scan results, penetration test findings, and security assessment outputs to identify control weaknesses and drive remediation
Maintain current security control traceability matrices mapping policy requirements to implemented controls and assessment evidence
Corporate and Enterprise Compliance Programs
Lead corporate information security compliance initiatives ensuring adherence to NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-53, CMMC, and Space Policy Directive 5 (SPD-5)
Support CMMC Level 2+ compliance activities, including practice implementation validation, artifact development, and assessment preparation
Develop and maintain security policies, procedures, and standards that implement regulatory requirements
Support Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) assessments, customer security audits, and government inspections
Track regulatory changes and assess impacts to existing authorizations and compliance programs
Security Engineering Integration
Participate in system engineering reviews, design reviews, and change control boards to ensure security requirements are integrated early in development
Validate security requirements are traceable from policy sources through system specifications to implemented controls and test procedures
Support incident response activities by providing authorization boundary information, security control details, and impact assessments
Interface with mission partners and external system interconnections to establish appropriate security agreements and MOUs
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
BS degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or related technical discipline
Minimum 4 years of direct experience as an ISSM, Security Control Assessor (SCA), or in cybersecurity compliance roles within aerospace, defense, intelligence, or DoD contracting environments
Proven track record managing RMF authorization processes per NIST SP 800-37 Rev. 2, achieving ATOs for complex technical systems
In-depth knowledge of NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-171, and FISMA compliance frameworks
Hands-on experience with DoD security tools including eMASS, ACAS, and HBSS
Strong understanding of DISA STIGs and DoD Security Technical Implementation Guides
Experience developing System Security Plans (SSPs), POA&Ms, and Security Assessment Reports (SARs)
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to translate complex security requirements for technical and executive audiences
U.S. Citizenship required (ITAR and security clearance requirements)
Desired
Demonstrated expertise implementing CNSSP-12 and CNSSI 53 requirements for national security space systems or satellite programs
Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain clearance
Direct experience serving as ISSM for operational space systems, satellite ground stations, or telemetry, tracking, and commanding (TT&C) systems
Knowledge of satellite operations security requirements, including command authentication and telemetry encryption
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or similar certification (CISSP-ISSAP, CISSP-ISSEP, CAP, or Security+)
Experience with CMMC Level 2 or Level 3 assessment and implementation
Familiarity with requirements management tools (Jama Connect, IBM DOORS) used in systems engineering environments
Knowledge of NIST SP 800-160 (Systems Security Engineering) and secure development lifecycle practices
Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, relocation benefits, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.
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.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
