Senior Security Engineer - Hypersonic Systems

About the role

Stratolaunch is at the forefront of technology, specializing in the realistic testing of systems that operate at speeds greater than Mach

5. Our innovative Talon testbeds are designed to provide cost-effective access to hypersonic environments, enabling us to gather essential flight data for system validation and the swift deployment of new technologies. We work closely with our clients to advance capabilities that are critical to national security.

In the role of Senior Security Engineer for Hypersonic Test Systems, you will be responsible for protecting hypersonic test articles, infrastructure, and sensitive data from various cyber threats, including manipulation, sabotage, and espionage. This position focuses on the security of embedded systems, operational technology, and telemetry pipelines to ensure the integrity and safety of hypersonic testing environments. You will work in collaboration with engineering teams, developers, and program managers to embed security protocols into testing workflows, safeguarding vital systems and data.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and implement robust security protocols for flight computers, controllers, embedded processors, instrumentation, sensors, and telemetry devices.
• Design secure boot processes and validate firmware integrity controls to ensure system reliability.
• Prevent unauthorized modifications to operational parameters and logic configurations.
• Assess risks related to physical and cyber tampering and evaluate the trust boundaries of hardware components.
• Secure critical environments such as wind tunnels, propulsion stands, thermal test setups, and data acquisition systems.
• Ensure that all test executions are shielded from potential cyber disruptions.
• Authenticate command pathways and mitigate anomalies caused by cyber threats.
• Protect telemetry pipelines to maintain the integrity and authenticity of test data collected during operations.
• Safeguard digital twins, models, and simulations while establishing a defensible data lineage.
• Identify and address risks associated with the introduction of false data into testing environments.
• Conduct threat modeling for cyber-physical workflows to anticipate and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
• Integrate security considerations into the development of testing software and manage risks associated with the supply chain.
• Perform red-team assessments of testing environments prior to execution to identify potential security weaknesses.
• Define security requirements for suppliers and validate the provenance of firmware used in systems.
• Detect counterfeit or compromised components and assess risks associated with third-party testing equipment.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in product security, embedded security, operational technology security, or cyber-physical systems.
• Demonstrated experience in securing systems that are not cloud-based or SaaS solutions.
• Familiarity with embedded Linux, real-time operating systems (RTOS), or bare-metal environments.
• Direct experience with test systems, mission-critical systems, or safety-critical environments is essential.
• Ability to model and analyze threats to hardware, software, and operational workflows effectively.
• Understanding of tactics employed by nation-state adversaries.
• Experience working in classified or export-controlled environments.
• An active Top Secret clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one is required for this position.

Skills & tools

• Strong proficiency in security practices tailored for embedded systems and operational technology.
• Experience with methodologies for threat modeling and risk assessment.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks pertinent to national security and defense operations.

Practical notes

• The salary for this position ranges from $120,000 to $158,000, contingent on qualifications and experience.
• Benefits include a 9/80 work schedule, comprehensive healthcare coverage, paid parental leave, a 401(k) plan with company matching, and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
• This role may require operating company vehicles as part of your responsibilities.
• The Mojave Air & Spaceport is conveniently located near Lancaster/Palmdale, providing affordable living options and easy access to various attractions throughout California.

Stratolaunch is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About the company

High-speed flight test services form the core work of this American aerospace team. Company roots trace to 2011, created by Paul Allen and Burt Rutan to explore air-launched space transport. Home base is Seattle. Earlier collaboration on SpaceShipOne informed the project. New ownership arrived in 2019 through Cerberus Capital Management. Funding remains private. Operations follow a non-traditional defense contractor model, focusing on test missions and system development under continued private investment.