Staff Security Architect

True Anomaly•Long Beach, CA

7h•$195,000 - $285,000•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Staff Security Architect, you will be the critical technical bridge securing True Anomaly's national security space systems—from our on-orbit satellite constellation to ground-based command and control infrastructure. This is a unique opportunity to architect end-to-end security for one of the most challenging operational environments: space systems operating under stringent national security requirements. In this role, you will define and implement security architectures that span the full mission lifecycle—satellite operations, ground segments, mission planning systems, and the critical data pathways between them. You will be responsible for ensuring our systems meet the most rigorous federal security standards while maintaining operational effectiveness in contested environments. This is an ideal role for a security architect who thrives at the intersection of hardware and software security, understands the unique challenges of national security systems, and is energized by the opportunity to secure systems that operate in the most demanding domain humanity has reached. Active TS/SCI security clearance strongly preferred; minimum Secret clearance required with ability to obtain TS/SCI.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in security architecture, security engineering, or related roles with increasing responsibility
Active TS/SCI security clearance strongly preferred; minimum Secret clearance required with ability to obtain TS/SCI
Demonstrated experience implementing NSA Type 1 cryptographic solutions in operational national security systems
Proven expertise with the Risk Management Framework (RMF) processes and achieving ATOs for complex systems
Strong understanding of NIST 800-53 security controls, tailoring, and implementation across hybrid environments
Experience architecting security for systems combining hardware, firmware, embedded systems, and software components
Deep knowledge of cryptographic protocols, key management, and secure communications architectures
Familiarity with space system architectures including satellite operations, ground segments, and telemetry/command systems
Excellent communication skills with ability to articulate security requirements to diverse audiences including government stakeholders
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Nice To Haves

Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph
Direct experience securing satellite systems, spacecraft, or other aerospace platforms
Experience with CNSSI 1253, ICD 503, JSIG or other Intelligence Community security standards
Familiarity with Cross Domain Solutions (CDS), data guards, or other information flow control technologies
Knowledge of RF security, anti-jam techniques, and secure satellite communications
Experience with CMMC, FedRAMP High, or DoD Impact Level 5/6 authorizations
Understanding of supply chain risk management (SCRM) for national security systems
Relevant certifications such as CISSP-ISSAP, CCSP, CEH, or vendor-specific security certifications
Experience supporting red team or penetration testing activities against complex systems
Background in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or related technical discipline

Responsibilities

Design and implement end-to-end security architectures for on-orbit satellite constellations and ground-based command and control (C2) systems, spanning spacecraft firmware, embedded systems, cloud infrastructure, and operational technology
Architect and deploy NSA Type 1 cryptographic solutions for classified communications and critical satellite command pathways, ensuring protection of space-to-ground communications and telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) systems
Ensure compliance with national security directives including NIST 800-53, CNSSI 1253, ICD 503, and other applicable frameworks for National Security Systems (NSS) handling classified information up to TS/SCI
Design and implement secure cross-domain solutions (CDS), data guards, and TEMPEST/EMSEC controls where mission requirements demand information flow between security domains or protection from emissions exploitation
Serve as the technical security bridge between spacecraft engineering, ground systems, software development, and mission operations teams, translating security requirements across hardware and software domains
Develop comprehensive threat models specific to space systems, accounting for adversary capabilities across RF spectrum, cyber, and physical domains to inform defensive architecture decisions
Partner with detection and response teams to ensure security architectures enable effective monitoring, logging, and incident response without compromising operational capability
Conduct security architecture reviews and provide authoritative guidance on secure design patterns for both space and ground segments as constellation capabilities evolve
Communicate complex security requirements, risk trade-offs, and compliance strategies to diverse stakeholders including engineering teams, executive leadership, and government customers