Job Information
California Institute of Technology Mission-focused Cybersecurity Engineer / Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) in Pasadena, California
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of System Security Plans for critical JPL projects, acting as the designated ISO and providing expert ISSO support.
- Serve as a primary cybersecurity subject matter expert for the TENET security plans, guiding project teams through the onboarding process and ensuring compliance with the appropriate TENET "blueprint" architecture.
- Serve as a key liaison between the CISO organization and mission/project teams, providing clear, actionable guidance on cybersecurity requirements and compliance pathways.
- Apply deep technical knowledge of infrastructure, cloud, and/or software development to perform ISSE functions, ensuring cybersecurity requirements are integrated early in the system development lifecycle.
- Drive the full Risk Management Framework (RMF) lifecycle for assigned systems, from categorization and control implementation to continuous monitoring and decommissioning, in alignment with NASA Assessment and Authorization (AandA) and other applicable sponsor requirements.
- Collaborate directly with flight project, research, and technical teams to provide tailored cybersecurity guidance and solutions that meet project objectives while adhering to all sponsor security requirements.
- Apply cybersecurity principles and processes within specialized and sensitive environments, ensuring compliance with all sponsor-specific security directives.
- Assist in the management of Plans of Action and Milestones (POAandMs) and Risk-Based Decisions (RBDs), ensuring that identified deficiencies are tracked and remediated effectively.
- Promote a culture of cybersecurity awareness and best practices among mission and technical staff.
Qualifications:
- Typically requires a Bachelors degree in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, physics/math, or related discipline with a minimum of 6 years of related experience; or a Master's degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 4 years of related experience, or PhD degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 2 years of related experience.
- Must possess an active TS/SCI clearance, willingness to work on-site in a classified facility
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``` - Extensive experience with space missions, flight projects, or similar complex engineering environments, with a comprehensive understanding of the project lifecycle. - Proven experience in a dedicated cybersecurity role, with direct responsibility for implementing the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) and its various adaptations for different government sponsors. - A highly technical background with demonstrated hands-on experience in infrastructure engineering, cloud environments (e.g., AWS), or software development. - Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with a strong ability to build consensus and effectively liaise with engineers, technical teams, and management. - Familiarity with the challenges of securing diverse systems, including Operational Technology (OT), testbeds, and software development environments. - Demonstrated ability to think strategically and align cybersecurity initiatives with project needs and organizational goals.
Preferred Skills:
- Must possess or obtain a DoD Cyber Workforce certification at the intermediate level (e.g., Security+) within 6 months of assuming this role.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating complex security risks.
- A commitment to continuous learning and staying current on the latest trends and developments in both cybersecurity and information technology.
Note- This candidate must be a U.S. Citizen with an active Top Secret (TS) clearance based upon Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) within a 5-year scope and must be approved for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) accesses.
JPL has a catalog o benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employees start date.
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The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidates job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.
The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.
$130,936 - $159,120
JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for e