NASA System Security Analyst

Job Description

Description

SAIC is seeking a System Security Analyst candidate to support NASA IV&V’s Mission Protection Services (MPS), focusing on providing assurance that NASA’s mission systems operate safely, reliably, and securely in a growing threat environment. This multi-faceted position requires expertise in identifying cybersecurity risk across missions and mission systems, a deep understanding of one or more mission systems and subsystems, and the ability to analyze these systems to identify mission security hazards, security risk, and assure that security engineering is adequate to protect the safety of crew and success of the mission.

Coordinate with other domain experts to develop a sufficient understanding of the mission and systems to perform security analysis.

CYBERSECURITY RISK IDENTIFICATION

Think like an attacker: identify ways to exploit a specific mission and mission systems that would impact safety and mission success. For example:

• Is the command path vulnerable?
• What about the supply chain?
• Where can I intercept, modify, or access critical information?
• How can I initiate an attack chain?
• What does the security architecture tell me about potential threat vectors?

Apply domain, mission, and system knowledge coupled with security intelligence of the end-to-end systems to identify areas of cybersecurity risk, where a successful exploit could impact safety or mission success. Go beyond compliance to governing requirements and ensure security of the system.

CYBERSECURITY ANALYSIS

Conduct and leverage risk assessments to identify high risk mission security hazards and use risk to refine focus areas for cybersecurity analysis.

Ensure the set of system security planning product(s) needed for the end-to-end project requirements are sufficient. 

Identify and assess engineered measures to ensure that vulnerabilities are identified, mitigated, and appropriately controlled to prevent exploitation through design, implementation, verification, and operations. Leverage knowledge in implementation details to evaluate flight HW and SW for actual and potential vulnerabilities. 

Coordinate cybersecurity assessments across other specialized cybersecurity teams.

Qualifications

TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors and six (6) years or more experience; Masters and five (5) years or more experience; PhD and three (3) years related experience.

Deep understanding and experience in the system and software development lifecycle (e.g. design, implementation, verification) and/or operations of one or more mission system domains such as

• C&DH
• GNC
• Communications
• Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) systems (e.g. DSN, SN, NEN, Daphne)
• Thermal
• Propulsion
• Science Instruments
• Electrical Power Systems
• Mission Operations Centers (MOC) including operating procedures and databases
• Command and Telemetry, including interaction with ground stations
• CSSDS protocols
• Fault Detection Isolation and Recovery (FDIR)
• Proximity operations and docking
• Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL)
• Autonomous operations
• Crewed and robotic missions

Knowledge of implementation details related to the following functional aspects of the End-to-End system are desired:

• HW decoded commands at the transceiver
• Command payload processing, encryption, authentication, CCSDS protocols and how packet headers are constructed/processed/function
• Onboard originated commanding
• 1553 bus and other onboard bus protocols and mechanisms
• Onboard memory management
• Software patching approaches and operations
• Real-time processor/interrupt service routines
• Hazards/controls, fault management, redundancy, and safe modes.

 

 

 

Target salary range: $75,001 - $100,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

Covid Policy: SAIC does not require COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters. Customer site vaccination requirements must be followed when work is performed at a customer site.

Overview

SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator driving our nation's technology transformation. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian, and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in engineering, digital, artificial intelligence, and mission solutions. Using our expertise and understanding of existing and emerging technologies, we integrate the best components from our own portfolio and our partner ecosystem to deliver innovative, effective, and efficient solutions that are critical to achieving our customers' missions.

We are more than 26,500 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a respectful work culture based on diversity, equity, and inclusion that values all contributors. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.1 billion. For more information, visit saic.com.