Junior Cyber Operations Analyst

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a motivated cybersecurity professional to serve as a Junior Cyber Operations Analyst (Information Security Staff II). In this entry-level to early-career role, you will be responsible for monitoring security events, triaging alerts, and supporting the Security Operations Center (SOC) in protecting our enterprise environments. You will work alongside experienced analysts to develop your skills in threat detection, log analysis, and incident response while contributing to the daily operations of our cybersecurity team. This position offers an excellent opportunity to launch your career in cybersecurity operations and gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge security technologies. You will join a team of dedicated cybersecurity professionals who are chartered with securing Aerospace's classified and unclassified enterprise IT environments and viewed as leaders within the aerospace community.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in Colorado Springs, CO.

What You'll Be Doing

• Monitoring security alerts and events from SIEM platforms, intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and other security tools
• Performing initial triage of security alerts to determine if they represent legitimate security concerns or false positives
• Conducting basic log analysis to investigate security events and gather relevant information for escalation
• Documenting security events, creating incident tickets, and maintaining accurate records in ticketing systems
• Escalating confirmed security incidents to senior analysts following established procedures and playbooks
• Assisting with basic incident response activities under the guidance of senior team members
• Learning to use security tools including SIEM, EDR, firewall management consoles, and log analysis platforms
• Following standard operating procedures and playbooks to ensure consistent response to common security scenarios
• Participating in shift rotations to provide continuous security monitoring coverage
• Conducting basic research on security alerts, indicators of compromise, and threat intelligence to support investigations
• Assisting with vulnerability scanning coordination and tracking remediation efforts
• Supporting security awareness initiatives by identifying and reporting potential phishing attempts and suspicious activities
• Maintaining situational awareness of current cybersecurity threats and trends through training and self-study
• Participating in training sessions, tabletop exercises, and skill development activities
• Collaborating with team members to improve processes and share knowledge
• Contributing to team documentation efforts and lessons learned activities

What You Need to be Successful- Information Security Staff II

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems or equivalent field of study, or equivalent experience
• 1-3 years of relevant experience in cybersecurity, IT operations, or related technical fields
• Basic understanding of network fundamentals including TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS, and common protocols
• Familiarity with Windows and Linux operating systems
• Basic knowledge of cybersecurity concepts including firewalls, intrusion detection, antivirus, and authentication
• Ability to follow documented procedures and escalation protocols
• Eagerness to learn new technologies and security concepts
• Willingness to work shift rotations including potential evenings, weekends, or holidays as operational needs require
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a US Secret security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Entry-level certifications such as Security+, Network+, CySA+, or equivalent
• Internship or academic experience in a SOC, security operations, or cybersecurity role
• Hands-on experience with SIEM platforms (Splunk, QRadar, LogRhythm, etc.) through coursework or labs
• Basic understanding of the MITRE ATT&CK framework or cyber kill chain
• Familiarity with scripting or programming languages (Python, PowerShell, Bash)
• Experience with packet capture analysis using Wireshark or similar tools
• Participation in cybersecurity competitions, capture the flag (CTF) events, or cyber ranges
• Coursework or self-study in digital forensics, incident response, or threat intelligence
• Understanding of log analysis and common log sources (Windows Event Logs, Syslog, etc.)
• Familiarity with ticketing systems and IT service management processes
• Knowledge of compliance frameworks such as NIST or ISO standards
• Active participation in cybersecurity communities, forums, or professional organizations
• Demonstrated passion for cybersecurity through personal projects, home labs, or continuous learning initiatives
• Previous experience in IT help desk, system administration, or network operations roles
• Current and active Secret clearance

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$75,300.00 - $113,000.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.