K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by $450M from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, and others – with an additional $500M in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers – we’re mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.

The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today’s and tomorrow’s massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.

With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, we're Building Bigger to develop the solar system and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series C space startup, we’d love for you to apply.

The Role

As an Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) at K2 Space you will oversee and maintain compliance with cybersecurity regulations and best practices for our space systems and infrastructure. The ISSM will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing security policies, risk assessments, and security controls to protect classified and unclassified information systems. 

Our ideal candidate is self-motivated and able to coordinate with our national security stakeholders to meet their unique requirements for safeguarding classified information across the spectrum of classification levels. The selected candidate will provide Cyber Security technical leadership as the ISSM. The candidate will manage internal/external customers’ expectations for security architecture and provide Cyber Security expertise as the Subject Matter Expert on ongoing projects by executing on program performance, delivery, and milestone completion including Assessment & Authorization (A&A) events. Furthermore, the ISSM will provide Cyber Security input and support for the implementation and test of secure operating systems/networks, DevSecOps, and cloud solutions. K2 Space is a fast-paced startup environment and as ISSM you must be able to quickly adapt and implement solutions in a dynamic workplace.  

Responsibilities

Build and manage a team of highly capable Information System Security Officers.
Develop and maintain a formal Information Systems Security Program.
Provide Ensure compliance with NIST, RMF, and other relevant cybersecurity frameworks.  
Develop, implement, and enforce information security policies and procedures.  
Conduct risk assessments, vulnerability analyses, and security audits.  
Manage security authorization packages and maintain system accreditations.  
Institute and implement a Configuration Control Board (CCB) charter.
Ensure that all ISSOs, network administrators, System Administrators and other cyber security personnel receive the necessary technical and annual training to carry out their duties.
Coordinate with CPSO on approval of external information systems (e.g., guest systems, interconnected system with another organization).
Work closely with IT, engineering, program management and government agencies to ensure secure operations.  
Provide security training and awareness programs for employees.  
Investigate and respond to security incidents and implement corrective actions.

Qualifications 

Master’s degree in cybersecurity, IT, or a related field +4 years’ experience or Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, IT, or a related field, + 6 years’ experience.  
5+ years working in information assurance for national security systems. 
Hands-on experience with NIST SP 800-53, DoDI 8510.01, CNSSI 1253, JSIG/ICD 503, and STIG/SRG application and other DoD cybersecurity policies.  
Proficiency in vulnerability and compliance tools: Tenable Nessus, SCAP, DISA STIG Viewer, log/monitoring, and familiarity with patch management.
Experience developing and maintaining SSP, SAR/SAP, POA&M, and RMF evidence with strong technical writing skills.
Knowledge of network security, Windows/Linux hardening, virtualization, endpoint protection, identity & access management, encryption/key management, and secure configuration baselines.
Strong understanding of system security architecture and risk management.  
Experience as an ISSM, ISSO, or ISSE.
Current DoD 8570/8140 Tier III certification or higher (CISSP, CISM, etc.).
Active TS/SCI Clearance, and willingness to submit to a CI polygraph
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Nice to Have 

Additional cybersecurity certifications (CAP, CEH, GSEC, GSLC).
Experience supporting Defense and Intelligence Community programs.
Familiarity with secure cloud and hybrid environments (e.g., DoD Cloud SRG, IL2–IL6, GovCloud, IC ITE).
Experience in standing up new secure networks at a commercial organization (SCI or SAP). 
Experience obtaining Authority to Operate (ATO) of an operational aerospace system (satellite, aircraft, etc.).

Compensation and Benefits:

Base salary range for this role is $160,000 - $200,000 + equity in the company
Salary will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Export Compliance

As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.”

The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Information Systems Security Manager (TS//SCI)