Senior Security Architect

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) Space Launch Delta 45 (SLD 45) 1st Space Launch Squadron (1 SLS) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida is searching for a Senior Security Architect (NH-1550-03, GS 12/13 equivalent).

Description:
Space Launch Delta 45 is seeking a dynamic Senior Security Architect to join the Range Management Digital Capabilities team and directly advance the operational readiness of our national space launch ranges. Serving as the premier technical authority, you will lead the organization's strategic shift from reactive compliance to a proactive, resilient, and secure-by-design posture by applying the theoretical foundations of computer science to architect and integrate Zero Trust security models across highly complex mission systems. In this critical role, you will act as the primary technical liaison with the 645th Cyber Squadron (645 CYS), spearheading the seamless integration of Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO), network monitoring, and advanced security tools directly into the capability development lifecycle. By conducting advanced threat modeling and translating complex risk analyses into actionable architectural modifications, you will ensure the spaceport's digital infrastructure remains continuously optimized for both maximum security and uncompromised mission effectiveness.

The ideal candidate is a highly technical professional holding a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science-or a related discipline aligned with the 1550 occupational series-complemented by the appropriate cybersecurity certifications required for this critical role. You bring a proven track record of designing, evaluating, and implementing Zero Trust security solutions across large-scale, diverse networks and complex cloud computing environments. Armed with a deep understanding of DoW cybersecurity policies and the Risk Management Framework (RMF), you possess hands-on experience seamlessly integrating defensive cyber capabilities, security tools, and network monitoring into operational environments. Your technical expertise is showcased through your ability to conduct rigorous risk assessments, map complex attack vectors, and engineer robust mitigation strategies directly during system design. Ultimately, candidates will stand out if they bring highly desired experience partnering directly with cyber defense teams or possess a background in securing space launch infrastructure and range mission systems.

Key Skills and Abilities:
1. Mastery of the theoretical foundations of computer science, including algorithms, computational theory, and computer systems architecture, to design highly complex, secure mission system environments.
2. Expertise in security tool integration, secure system methodologies, and the design and implementation of defensive cyber capabilities (e.g., network taps, intrusion detection architectures).
3. Advanced skill in architecting and implementing Zero Trust security models across diverse, large-scale, and mission-critical networks and systems.
4. Knowledge of advanced threat modeling, computational risk analysis, and the ability to simulate and mitigate cyber threats during the earliest phases of the systems development lifecycle.
5. Ability to evaluate new and emerging computer science technologies, cryptographic protocols, and defensive cyber tools for applicability to spaceport operations.
6. Comprehensive knowledge of DoW cybersecurity policies, Risk Management Framework (RMF), and federal security standards, with the ability to build compliance into system architectures.
7. Skill in communicating highly complex computational and architectural concepts clearly, both orally and in writing, to diverse audiences including senior leadership, technical developers, and external mission partners.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Employee must obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance with eligibility for access to SCI, other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret SAP to fully perform the duties of the position.
• A non-disclosure agreement must be signed.
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment, and participation in random drug testing.
• Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
• May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft in the performance of TDY assignments.
• May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.
• The employee must attain appropriate DoW approved cybersecurity qualification and continuing education requirements applicable for cybersecurity functions required for the DoW position held, IAW DoDM 8140.03.
• Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed “Unscheduled Telework”.
• Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 15 days per year.
• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• PCS is not authorized. Incentive is not authorized.
• This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first.

Qualifications

The 1550 series has an individual occupational requirement that must be met and can be viewed here.

In addition to the above requirements you can view the experience level requirements here. Please scroll down to the 4th section titled Professional and Scientific Positions.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies as related to the series and grade of the position being filled. Final qualifications determinations will be assessed based on OPM's General Schedule Qualifications Standards found here:

Interviews: You will be contacted by e-mail and/or telephone if your application is identified as qualifying for a position being filled. An interview may be conducted. If interviewed, you will be asked to address the same knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies used to initially qualify your application for the position.

Resume:You must submit a resume that may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume exceeds two pages or is illegible/unreadable. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your resume must provide:

1. Personal information - your full name, email and mailing addresses, phone number
2. Education information - the name of the school and the dates you attended
3. Work experience - paid and unpaid work with the following information:
   • Job title
   • Detailed duties and accomplishments
   • Employer's name and address
   • Supervisor's name and phone number
   • Starting and ending dates (If actual dates are not known, provide your best-estimated timeframes.)
   • Hours per week
   • Salary, if applicable
4. Other qualifications - skills, certifications/licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and job-related training courses

College Transcripts (if applicable): Please see the Education section of this announcement for detailed information about transcripts.

Next steps