Senior Principal Systems Security Engineer - TeraWave

Application close date: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed. At Ironwood Digital , we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! Ironwood Digital is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide. The Information Systems Security Engineer is responsible for conducting information system security engineering activities across the TeraWave program lifecycle. This role captures and refines information security requirements and ensures their effective integration into system design, development, and configuration through purposeful security architecting. The ISSE will work as an integral part of the integrated project team, coordinating with systems engineers, software developers, network architects, and program leadership to ensure cybersecurity is built into the constellation from the ground up. Key Responsibilities Security Architecture & Engineering Design and implement security architectures for space and ground system segments, including satellite bus software, ground station networks, mission operations centers, and communication link infrastructure Develop and maintain System Security Plans (SSPs), security architecture documentation, and risk assessment packages Integrate cybersecurity monitoring, auditing, and recovery measures across all system segments Define security requirements for inter-satellite links, ground-to-space uplinks, and user terminal interfaces Compliance Framework Implementation Implement and maintain controls across multiple concurrent frameworks: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 : Security and privacy control selection, tailoring, and implementation ISO/IEC 27001:2022 : Information Security Management System (ISMS) requirements, internal audit support, and continuous improvement ITAR (22 CFR Part 120-130) : Export-controlled technical data protection and access control Perform cross-framework control mapping and gap analysis to identify implementation efficiencies Support Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities as applicable to program requirements Space Systems Cybersecurity Apply cybersecurity principles to flight software, ground software, and communication link security Address space-specific threat vectors including signal jamming, spoofing, unauthorized commanding, and supply chain compromise Ensure systems are designed to adapt to evolving cybersecurity threats and maintain operational resilience Support secure over-the-air (OTA) update capabilities for the satellite constellation Evaluate and recommend encryption solutions for data in transit and at rest across all system segments Assessment & Risk Management Conduct security risk assessments and threat modeling for constellation components Support security control assessments and ISO 27001 surveillance audits Develop and track Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms) for identified vulnerabilities Maintain continuous monitoring programs and produce compliance evidence artifacts Cross-Functional Collaboration Coordinate security activities with information security architects, ISSOs, and the Cybersecurity GRC team Provide cybersecurity input to systems engineering trade studies, design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR), and test planning Support supply chain risk management activities for constellation hardware and software components Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, or related technical field 8+ years of experience in information systems security engineering, with at least 3 years in space systems, satellite programs, or aerospace Demonstrated experience implementing NIST SP 800-53 security controls in operational environments Working knowledge of ISO/IEC 27001:2022 ISMS requirements, including internal audit and certification support Understanding of space system architectures (ground segment, space segment, link segment, user segment) Familiarity with ITAR compliance and handling of export-controlled technical data U.S. Citizenship required (ITAR-controlled program) Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, or related field Knowledge of SPARTA (Space Attack Research and Tactic Analysis) threat framework Experience with satellite constellation architectures, mesh networking, or inter-satellite links Cloud security experience (AWS GovCloud, commercial AWS) Familiarity with secure software dev