Program Protection SME

The "Golden Dome for America" initiative is a transformative program designed to enhance missile defense capabilities for North America. With its layered approach to intercepting and tracking threats—ranging from traditional ballistic missiles to advanced hypersonic weapons—the program is poised to address the increasingly sophisticated missile arsenals of China, Russia, North Korea, and potentially Iran in the coming decades. Its implementation marks a significant shift toward resilient, distributed, and proliferated space-based architectures as critical components of an integrated deterrence strategy.

The Program Protection SME will lead efforts to safeguard advanced space system programs by implementing comprehensive security and protection measures across design, development, integration, and operational phases. This individual will be responsible for identifying and mitigating risks to space system technologies, intellectual property, and critical operational assets.

The role requires extensive experience in program protection strategies, information assurance, counterintelligence, and cybersecurity in the context of space systems, with an emphasis on supporting Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) missions. The Program Protection Specialist will collaborate with engineers, program managers, and security teams to ensure resilience against emerging threats and to protect sensitive technologies in contested environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain program protection plans to safeguard critical technologies, systems, and data across space system programs.
• Identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in the design, development, and operational lifecycle of space system technologies and architectures.
• Oversee counterintelligence and anti-tamper strategies to protect sensitive data and mitigate unauthorized access to classified program assets.
• Establish and enforce policies, procedures, and protocols for safeguarding intellectual property, technical data, and export-controlled information.
• Conduct risk assessments related to cyber, supply chain, insider threats, and counter-environmental vulnerabilities impacting program security.
• Collaborate closely with engineers to design security features (hardware and software) that ensure resilience against adversarial attacks.
• Coordinate with government stakeholders to align program protection measures with relevant DoD frameworks and regulations (e.g., DoDI 5200.39, DoDI 5000.83).
• Manage compliance with cybersecurity standards, including NIST 800-53, Risk Management Framework (RMF), and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) requirements.
• Implement secure supply chain strategies to mitigate risks associated with vendors, subcontractors, and international partnerships.
• Provide subject matter expertise for government reviews, audits, and assessments related to program protection compliance.
• Lead training programs for program staff and stakeholders on protection measures, security protocols, and operational vigilance.
• Stay informed on emerging threats and develop innovative strategies to safeguard space systems and technologies against future risks.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Security Studies, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in program protection, information assurance, or security management within the DoD or Intelligence Community (IC).
• Extensive background in safeguarding technologies related to space systems, including satellites, payloads, ground systems, and mission software.
• Proven track record in managing counterintelligence, cybersecurity, and anti-tamper measures for classified systems.
  
  

Technical Skills

• Familiarity with DoD program protection frameworks and directives, such as the Program Protection Plan (PPP), anti-tamper requirements, and security classification guidelines.
• Expertise in cybersecurity, including secure design principles, encryption technologies, and system hardening techniques.
• Knowledge of space system architectures, communication protocols, and operational vulnerabilities.
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Security Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• Certifications such as CISSP, CEH, CPP, or equivalent in cybersecurity and security management.
• Experience in managing operational security (OPSEC) and supply chain risk management frameworks.
• Familiarity with technologies and strategies for countering electronic warfare, space threats, and adversarial exploitation.
• Knowledge of export control regulations (e.g., ITAR/EAR) and their implications for program protection.
  
  

Clearance

• Active Top Secret clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI).
• U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.
  
  

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