Staff Mission COMSEC Engineer

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering design, deployment, testing, and certification of cryptographic systems for space-based assets and ground C2 systems, providing technical leadership to cross-functional engineering teams across multiple product lines
• Stay current on emerging technologies relevant to cryptographic product development and implementation
• Maintain required documentation for all controlled equipment and keying material (KEYMAT) per USG regulations and best practices
• Act as lead architect for resilient and survivable cryptographic security architectures and designs
• Work with cross-functional engineering teams through the testing and validation of communication and command links to ensure maximum usability, stability, and system survivability
• Conduct and document risk assessments and provide sound mitigation strategies
• Identify and remediate findings from STIGs, vulnerability scans, penetration testing, and SCA activities to gain and maintain system Authorization to Operate (ATO)
• Ensure compliance with NIST 800-53, CNSSI 1253, ICD 503, JSIG, and other applicable frameworks for National Security Systems (NSS) handling classified information up to TS/SCI

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years in security architecture or encryption engineering, with demonstrated experience designing and deploying cryptographic systems in operational environments
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility required
• DoD 8140 IAT Level III certification (CASP+, CISSP, CISA, or equivalent) required
• Experience with TEMPEST requirements and processes, specifically for space systems
• Experience with design and successful deployment of NSA Type 1 cryptographic solutions in operational systems
• Familiarity with space system architectures including satellite operations, ground segments, and TT&C systems
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate security requirements to engineering teams, executive leadership, and government stakeholders
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph
• Direct experience securing C2 systems, space systems, or other DoD mission systems
• Experience supporting DoD or IC customers through ATO, re-ATO, or continuous authorization
• Familiarity with Cross Domain Solutions (CDS), data guards, or other information flow control technologies
• Understanding of zero trust architectures and modern identity solutions applied to classified environments

Work Environment

• Fast-paced, mission-critical environment supporting national security space operations
• Requires coordination across distributed teams including spacecraft engineers, ground operations, and government partners
• May require participation in on-call rotation for security incident response and mission-critical system support
• Occasional travel to government sites, launch facilities, or partner locations may be required