Cybersecurity Engineer (Senior)

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.
For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.
Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.
We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet. 
We are seeking a highly skilled Cybersecurity Engineer with a strong software engineering background to protect and secure critical space systems, including satellites, ground stations, and communication networks. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining security measures to safeguard space-based assets against cyber threats.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement cybersecurity architectures for space systems
• Design secure software solutions for embedded and real-time systems, ensuring robust encryption, authentication, and intrusion detection mechanisms.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and risk analysis on space-borne and ground-based software and networks.
• Collaborate with software development teams to integrate security best practices into the software development lifecycle (SDLC), including secure coding techniques.
• Monitor space mission networks for anomalies and potential cyber threats, responding to incidents with mitigation strategies.
• Work with government agencies, defense contractors, and commercial space organizations to ensure compliance with cybersecurity regulations and standards (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, ITAR, and Space Policy Directives).
• Research and develop advanced cybersecurity countermeasures to protect against sophisticated cyber threats targeting space infrastructure.
• Develop security policies, procedures, and guidelines tailored to space system

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in cybersecurity with a focus on software security, network security, or embedded system security.
• Strong programming experience in languages such as C++, Python, or Rust.
• Experience with secure coding practices, cryptographic protocols, and threat modeling.
• Familiarity with space communication protocols, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and embedded software development.
• Hands-on experience with penetration testing tools, SIEM solutions, IDS/IPS, and vulnerability management tools.
• Knowledge of cloud security principles, particularly for satellite data processing and ground station operations.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks applicable to space cybersecurity (e.g., NIST 800-171, NASA cybersecurity directives, and DoD security guidelines).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working on space missions, aerospace cybersecurity, or satellite communication networks.
• Hands-on experience with space-related protocols such as CCSDS, MIL-STD-1553, or CAN bus.
• Certifications such as CISSP, CEH, OSCP, or GIAC are a plus.
• Knowledge of AI/ML applications in cybersecurity threat detection for space systems.

Salary Range: $185,000 - $215,000 a yearThe stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range and excludes additional benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.
Benefits
Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We offer the following benefits:
• Shared upside: receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create.  • Best-in-class healthcare, dental, vision plans. The primary and dependents’ premium is 99%+ covered. • Enjoy our comprehensive PTO package, to reset and recharge.• Competitive 401(k) plan and matching.   • Paid parental leave. • Daily lunch and unlimited snacks!• Community events like monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, a run club and more!• Your dream desk setup, tools, and whatever else you need to be your m