Nuclear Codes and Crypto Engineer, Lead

Responsibilities

• Conduct engineering analysis of contractor’s proposed design the following technical / cyber areas: cybersecurity; nuclear command & control (NC2) cryptography; nuclear codes and critical signals; government and commercial cryptographic solutions, algorithms, and lifecycle support; COMSEC and key management; vulnerability analysis and mitigation development; post-quantum cryptography; and digital engineering.
• Evaluate and validate prime contractor’s design for the sufficiency of NC2, non-NC2, and commercial cryptographic capabilities including hardware and software, algorithm selection, and key, nuclear code and certificate management to meet weapon system requirements and national, DoW, and Air Force cybersecurity requirements.
• Perform trade studies and system level tradeoffs.
• Advise senior material leaders on the use of COMSEC devices and algorithms in accordance with National Security Systems and Air Force policies.
• Prepare and present technical presentations and papers and present to senior Air Force leaders.
• Research cutting-edge technical capabilities and processes for understanding, assessing, and analyzing systems and technology resilience and security.
• Develop cryptographic roadmaps, modernization strategies and integration plans for the use of cryptography in an Air Force weapon system and be interoperable with STRATCOM nuclear keys & codes distribution methods.

Requirements

• Typically requires a minimum, of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity, or related discipline; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or PhD with 3 years’ experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
• Familiarity with National Security System (NSS) cryptography and cybersecurity requirements.
• Demonstrated success in applying cybersecurity knowledge to conduct systems engineering analysis.
• Ability to clearly summarize technical concepts and research results verbally and in writings/presentations.
• Ability to work as part of a Government, FFRDC/UARC, and Contractor team to solve challenging technical problems.
• Must be a self-starter with creative thinking and problem-solving capabilities, able to function within an ambiguous and dynamic environment with minimal supervision.
• This position has an on-site requirement of 5 days a week on-site.

Qualifications

• Experience in nuclear keys & codes, government and commercial cryptographic capabilities, algorithms, and security services and their application in a National Security System.
• Experience with quantum computing and the effects of quantum computing on cryptography and cyber security.
• Skills and commitment to building, contributing to, and sustaining high-performance teams, achieving team goals, growing trust, and collaboration.
• Experience with tools such as DOORS, Cameo, TeamCenter, STK, AFSIM, Matlab.
• Experience supporting a major Department of Defense acquisition program.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Top Secret level security clearance including SAP access.