Senior Weapons Systems Cybersecurity Engineer

Overview

Apogee is seeking a hands-on Senior Weapons Systems Cybersecurity Engineer to embed a cyber-resiliency mindset across the Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) & Special Operations Forces (SOF) portfolio.

The role is primarily engineering-focused (≈75% systems engineering, design, and acquisition support) with a smaller compliance/RMF responsibility (≈25%). The right candidate will have an expert understanding of weapon systems, acquisition processes, practical RMF experience, and the ability to work iteratively with programs and leadership to bake cyber requirements into system lifecycles.

This is an on-site, full-time position at Wright-Patterson AFB (Dayton, OH) supporting AFLCMC.

Responsibilities

Systems engineering & acquisition support — 75%

• Work across program lifecycles to design, evaluate, and integrate cyber-resilient solutions into special warfare, rotary- and fixed-wing, and other weapon systems.
• Provide expert-level evaluation of designs and proposed implementation solutions to defend weapon systems against malicious and non-malicious exploitation.
• Translate operational, safety, and mission assurance requirements into practical system security engineering (SSE) approaches and implementation guidance based on NIST 800-53.
• Evaluate designs and vendor solutions for security posture, Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM), and operational impact; recommend mitigations and trade-offs to program teams.
• Assist Program Offices in developing Program Protection Plans (PPP), Anti-Tamper (AT) approaches, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and secure architecture diagrams.
• Ensure cyber requirements are captured in Statements of Work (SOW), Contract Deliverable Requirements Lists (CDRLs), and technical evaluations of vendor proposals.
• Provide proactive engineering solutions for continuous monitoring, secure communications, and mission continuity during degraded/contested environments.
• Institutionalize tools/processes and coach program teams to sustainably implement cyber best practices across the directorate.
  
  

RMF / Assessment & Authorization (A&A) — 25%

• Apply RMF to develop A&A packages (IATT, ATC, ATO) and continuous monitoring plans; coordinate artifacts with ISSMs, AOs, and higher headquarters.
• Conduct system-level threat and vulnerability assessments, develop residual risk recommendations, and brief findings to program leadership and authorizing officials.
• Support testing/assessment activities and closure of cybersecurity findings using risk-based prioritization.
  
  

Stakeholder engagement and leadership

• Coordinate across Program Offices, ISSMs, Aircraft AOs, PEO staff, MAJCOM/Center leadership, and external vendors to align engineering solutions with policy and operational needs.
• Provide timely, clear risk-communication and decision-support to senior DoD/AF leadership; be coachable and able to coach technical teammates.
• Actively participate in cross-program working groups and IPTs to share lessons learned and drive repeatable cyber-resilient practices.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Experience:

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen

Clearance: Must have an active Top Secret level clearance, with willingness to obtain SCI

Certifications: IAT Level II (Security CE or other)

Education: High School Diploma

Years of Experience: (15) or more years relevant experience, eight (8) of which must be within the DoD to include:

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and generating A&A artifacts (IATT, ATC, ATO).
• Proven systems security engineering experience applying NIST SP 800-53 controls to weapon system architectures.
• Experience creating or reviewing Program Protection Plans (PPP) and Anti-Tamper considerations.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

Certifications: IAT Level III (CISSP or equivalent)

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Years of Experience: (12) or more years relevant experience, eight (5) of which must be within the DoD to include:

• Expert-level knowledge of weapon systems/platforms (rotary/fixed wing, ISR sensors, comms, mission systems) and DoD acquisition processes.
• Verifiable experience coordinating with Program Offices, ISSMs, Authorizing Officials (AOs), and higher headquarters.
• Familiarity with threat modeling, vulnerability analysis, Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM), and cyber impact assessments for weapons systems.
• Experience drafting SOWs, CDRLs, and conducting technical source selection or proposal evaluations.
• Excellent oral and written communication; able to present risk and technical options succinctly to diverse audiences.
• Agile, flexible, proactive, coachable — comfortable with iterative engineering, shifting priorities, and working in cross-functional teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and facilitation skills; willingness to mentor less-experienced teammates.
  
  

Additional Information

Location: Wright-Patterson, AFB, OH located in Dayton, Ohio

On-site: This is a full-time on-site opportunity

Travel: Travel up to 30% may be required