Job Specifications
Head of Cybersecurity
Location: Irvine, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $175,000 – $200,000 USD
About The Role
We are seeking a Head of Cybersecurity to define and lead the organization’s enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy. This role is responsible for protecting critical systems, customer data, proprietary technologies, and operational infrastructure across a highly technical and regulated environment. The ideal candidate brings deep cybersecurity leadership experience, strong business acumen, and the ability to build resilient security programs that enable innovation while ensuring compliance and operational integrity.
This is a senior leadership position requiring close collaboration with executive leadership, engineering, legal, compliance, and IT teams.
What You’ll Do
Strategic Leadership
Define and execute a multi-year cybersecurity strategy aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements
Lead cybersecurity initiatives across cross-functional and multi-stakeholder teams
Establish governance frameworks to assess risk, measure maturity, and track program effectiveness
Communicate cybersecurity posture, risk, and incidents to executive leadership and external stakeholders
Champion a security-first culture across the organization
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
Own cybersecurity policies, processes, and enterprise risk management activities
Lead cross-functional risk assessments, mitigation planning, and roadmap execution
Ensure compliance with NIST 800-171, CMMC, and other applicable regulatory frameworks
Partner with Legal, Compliance, Engineering, and IT to align security with operational and regulatory needs
Infrastructure & Security Architecture
Oversee secure cloud, hybrid, and edge computing environments
Provide leadership over the security aspects of IT infrastructure, including servers, cloud platforms, networks, and end-user systems
Guide implementation of zero-trust architecture and advanced threat detection capabilities
Ensure protection of systems, sensitive data, and personally identifiable information
Oversee security for IoT devices, telemetry systems, and real-time data platforms
Security Operations & Incident Response
Build and lead a cybersecurity team capable of 24x7x365 monitoring, detection, and response
Define KPIs and performance metrics for security operations and vulnerability management
Lead incident response, crisis management, root cause analysis, and remediation efforts
Culture & Enablement
Hire, mentor, and develop a high-performing cybersecurity organization
Establish security training and awareness programs for all employees
Foster continuous learning, accountability, and innovation within the security team
Business Partnership
Support business development initiatives while maintaining security integrity
Enable secure collaboration with partners, suppliers, and external stakeholders
Manage relationships with external security vendors and service providers
Required Qualifications
What We’re Looking For
Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
10–15 years of progressive information security experience
5+ years in a senior security leadership or management role
Active CISSP, CISM, or equivalent professional certification
Proven success building and scaling cybersecurity programs in complex technical environments
Deep expertise in enterprise security technologies (SIEM, EDR, IAM, DLP, vulnerability management, etc.)
Strong background in cloud security, DevSecOps, and infrastructure protection
Ability to obtain a U.S. government security clearance (Top Secret)
Exceptional communication skills, including presenting to executive leadership and boards
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree (MBA, MS in Cybersecurity, or Engineering)
Experience in aerospace, defense, aviation, or other highly regulated industries
Prior experience with CMMC certification or similar compliance initiatives
Knowledge of OT/IT convergence and industrial control system security
Experience with government contracting and security clearance processes
Strong incident response and crisis management leadership experience
About the Company
EVONA attracts and guides elite talent into the global space economy, evolving individuals and companies whose aspirations transform futures on and off Earth.
As pioneers, we staff the space economy, propelling it to new heights.
For employers, we headhunt transferable in-demand skills from outside the industry; demystifying the space sector to attract new talent, while helping nurture the skills within to provide you with the time to innovate, adapt, and shape the future of humanity. We specialize in geospatial, satellit...
Know more