--- title: 'Lead Security Engineer - Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) at Stratolaunch' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/lead-security-engineer-information-systems-security-manager-issm-stratolaunch-a7m2x9dd91hk' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-18' --- # Lead Security Engineer - Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) at Stratolaunch - **Company:** Stratolaunch - **Location:** Mojave, CA - **Posted:** 2026-10-14 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-18 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/stratolaunch/jobs/5450283008 ## Job description Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security. We are seeking a Lead Security Engineer - Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) to lead the cybersecurity authorization, operation, and continuous monitoring of classified information systems supporting our hypersonic programs and advanced engineering capabilities. This is a hands-on technical security role. The ISSM will serve as the primary cybersecurity authority for classified information systems and will work closely with Information Security, IT, Industrial Security, Engineering, Program Management, and government stakeholders to build secure classified computing environments that enable mission execution. The ideal candidate combines practical IT and security engineering experience with a strong understanding of the Risk Management Framework and is comfortable owning a classified system throughout its full lifecycle, from architecture and authorization through operations, continuous monitoring, and eventual decommissioning. This is a senior individual-contributor position with significant technical ownership and the opportunity to help shape the company's classified cybersecurity program as it grows. ## ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES - Serve as the designated Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) for classified information systems under company responsibility. - Lead implementation of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) for classified information systems. - Develop and maintain System Security Plans (SSPs), Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms), security control implementation statements, network diagrams, hardware and software inventories, policies, procedures, and supporting authorization artifacts. - Partner with IT and Engineering to design, build, secure, and operate classified computing environments. - Support the implementation and accreditation requirements associated with SIPRNet connectivity. - Establish secure configuration baselines based on applicable DISA STIGs and government guidance. - Partner with Program Managers and engineering teams to understand classified computing requirements early in the program lifecycle. - Develop scalable standards, procedures, templates, and technical baselines for classified information systems. - Coordinate closely with the Facility Security Officer (FSO) and Industrial Security team on matters involving classified information, personnel access, physical security, and security incidents. - Support the Insider Threat Program as it relates to classified information-system activity and cybersecurity. - Provide cybersecurity training and technical guidance to system administrators, engineers, ISSOs, and classified-system users. - Mentor or provide technical direction to future Information Systems Security Officers (ISSOs) as the classified environment expands. ## QUALIFICATIONS Required - 5+ years of cybersecurity experience supporting aerospace, defense, intelligence, national security, or similarly regulated environments. - Previous experience serving formally as an ISSM or senior ISSO for classified information systems. - Experience developing or maintaining RMF authorization documentation, including SSPs, POA&Ms, security controls, and supporting assessment artifacts. - Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, system administrators, program managers, security professionals, government representatives, and executive stakeholders. - Active U.S. Secret security clearance or higher. - Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance and additional program accesses as required. - S. citizenship. - Ability to work onsite due to the nature of the classified systems and responsibilities associated with the position. - Relevant cybersecurity certification such as Security+, CISSP, CISM, or equivalent. - Experience with security compliance frameworks and standards such as DAAPM, NISPOM, JSIG, ICD 503, NIST 800-53, and NIST 800-171. ## Preferred - Experience establishing a new classified computing environment or taking a system from initial architecture through ATO. - Experience supporting SIPRNet implementation, authorization, or operations. - Active U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance ## EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE - BS or applicable experience in lieu of degree - 5-8 years of relevant experience, $140,000-$185,000 - 8+ years of relevant experience, $173,000-$220,000 Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable - This position is located in Mojave, CA - No travel required - 9/80 schedule Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews. [Benefits](https://www.stratolaunch.com/careers/benefits/) and our https://www.stratolaunch.com/careers/locations/: - Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs) - Paid Maternity and Parental Leave - 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500 - Tuition reimbursement This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties. Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles.  The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks. Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers. Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States. Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.  For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions. Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law : [https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf](https://usg02.safelinks.protection.office365.us/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dol.gov%2Fofccp%2Fregs%2Fcompliance%2Fposters%2Fpdf%2Feeopost.pdf&data=05%7C02%7CJustin.Bunkis%40stratolaunch.com%7Cc995cc1cb2d54cb9e84f08dd8369f5d0%7C6b1ba37e5a954845af92bbebaa34f2bf%7C0%7C0%7C638811213293596097%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HA1xZ73OqtOavsYHMEB53oSEKk%2FQdrb0FNLHeuEPqjg%3D&reserved=0) ## About Stratolaunch ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Stratolaunch designs, manufactures, and launches aerospace vehicles and technologies to provide the U.S. and its allies with routine, affordable access to hypersonic flight testing and space. - **Entity Type**: Private (total funding $24.7M; recent grant and private equity rounds) - **Headquarters**: Mojave, California, United States - **Founded**: 2011 - **Founders**: Not listed in available sources ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Defense and Space Manufacturing – hypersonic test technology and air-launch services. - **Target customers**: U.S. government agencies (Missile Defense Agency, Department of Defense), defense contractors, and commercial aerospace companies. - **Mission**: To advance a national imperative by enabling routine access to the hypersonic environment, accelerating technology development, and validating system performance through flight data. ## Products & Services - **Roc (Air-Launch Platform)**: The world’s largest aircraft by wingspan, used as a mobile launch pad to deploy hypersonic test vehicles from high altitude. - **Talon-A**: A reusable, air-launched hypersonic test vehicle capable of sustained Mach 5+ flight; provides critical flight data for technology maturation. - **Hypersonic Flight Testing Services**: End-to-end mission planning, payload integration, flight operations, and data analysis for government and commercial customers. ## Market Standing - **Valuation**: Not publicly disclosed - **Key Metrics**: - Annual revenue: ~$28.7M (source: LinkedIn) - Total funding: $24.7M (led by Missile Defense Agency grant, January 2025; plus a private equity round in January 2026) - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Missile Defense Agency (MDA), U.S. Department of Defense; acquired WINDWRIGHT, LLC. - **Growth Signals**: - Headcount grew 15.3% YoY to 253 employees. - Active job postings increased 176.2% YoY. - Received a $90.8M contract award under MACH-TB 2.0 Task 3 for air-launched capability test vehicles. - Conducted a hypersonic test flight with the Missile Defense Agency. ## Competitive Advantages - **Unique Air-Launch Capability**: Operates Roc, the only aircraft of its size, enabling flexible, over-the-horizon launch of hypersonic vehicles without ground range constraints. - **Vertical Integration**: In-house design, manufacturing, and flight test capabilities reduce timelines and allow rapid iteration. - **Government Trust**: Multiple contract awards from MDA and DoD demonstrate confidence in Stratolaunch’s technology and execution. ## Strategic Focus - Scaling hypersonic testing capacity to meet growing national security demand. - Maturing Talon-A into a reusable, operational vehicle for repeatable, cost-effective hypersonic flights. - Expanding customer base beyond the MDA to include other defense agencies and commercial hypersonic developers. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Values include “Safety Always,” “Be courageous & bold,” “Strength in humility,” and “Be the teammate you’d want to have.” Emphasis on hands-on, cross‑disciplinary learning alongside top aerospace engineers. - **Work Environment**: Majority on‑site (57 of 64 current positions are on‑site); limited hybrid/remote options. HQ in Mojave, CA, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Huntsville, AL. - **Notable Perks**: Direct involvement in cutting‑edge hypersonic technology with national importance; exposure to multiple engineering disciplines; safety‑first, ego‑free culture. - **Compensation Example**: Propulsion Technician ~$65,890/yr; Executive Assistant ~$88,580/yr (LinkedIn estimates). - **Employer Rating**: 3.7/5 (55 reviews) – Compensation rated 4.0/5, Culture 3.5/5, Work‑Life 2.8/5. ## Sources 1. [stratolaunch.com](https://www.stratolaunch.com/) 2. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/stratolaunch) 3. [job-boards.greenhouse.io](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/stratolaunch) 4. 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