COMSEC Engineer

About the role

The COMSEC Engineer provides specialized expertise in cryptographic systems engineering, key management architecture, and NSA approval processes for F‑35 High Assurance Devices. This role ensures compliance with DoD security and accreditation requirements, supports RMF‑related activities, and delivers technical guidance to Government security personnel. The COMSEC Engineer also develops, updates, and consolidates all required COMSEC documentation to maintain secure and accredited operations across the F‑35 program.

Responsibilities

• COMSEC engineering for the F‑35 systems cryptographic and key management architecture, ensuring secure integration and alignment with program requirements.
• Provide support for certification and accreditation activities for operational systems, including tasks associated with DoD Risk Management Framework compliance.
• Assist in acquiring National Security Agency approval of cryptographic changes to F‑35 High Assurance Devices such as End Cryptographic Units, including validation of keying material usage with operational controlling authorities.
• Facilitate and attend working groups and meetings to assist in developing accreditation packages, documenting notes, action items, and identified security responsibilities.
• Consolidate material for accreditation packages and submit completed documentation to the Government Security Lead for review and approval.
• Provide subject-matter-expert guidance on equipment design, required support, and recommended actions to assist Government security leads in meeting COMSEC and program security objectives.
• Ensure all FRDs, FPDs, SOPs, plans, and training materials are updated within 90 days of each Task Order award and annually thereafter, or when significant security requirement changes occur that impact the F‑35 program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum/General Experience: At least six years of supervisory COMSEC experience, in developing COMSEC key architecture, and in End Cryptological Unit (ECU) deliverables, process and certification. Specialized experience in cryptographic algorithms and interfacing with systems developers and international partners. At least 10 years of relevant work experience.
• Minimum Education: Master's Degree in relevant field; or a bachelor's degree and 4 additional years of relevant work experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of cryptographic systems, key management architectures, and COMSEC engineering principles applicable to advanced military aircraft systems.
• Skilled in supporting certification and accreditation processes, including DoD Risk Management Framework tasks and documentation requirements.
• Ability to coordinate with national cryptographic authorities and validate keying material usage for High Assurance Devices and related cryptographic components.
• Knowledge of accreditation package development, documentation consolidation, and security requirements for secure system operation.
• Ability to participate effectively in technical working groups, record detailed notes, identify security tasks, and support collaborative accreditation activities.
• Skilled in developing, updating, and maintaining COMSEC documentation such as FRDs, FPDs, SOPs, plans, and training materials in alignment with evolving program requirements.
• Familiarity with NSA UIC process.
• Familiarity with KMI and EKMS systems.

Type: Full Time
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Overtime Exempt: No
Reports To: ARMADA HQ
Security Clearance Required: Top Secret w/ SCI
Contingent upon award