Algorithm and Crypto Transition Analyst - Cyber Capability Center - TS w/ SCI eligibility

Applied Research Solutions; Illinois; On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Solutions is seeking a security-cleared professional to identify capability gaps and advise on cryptographic key management for DoD and Space Force programs. The role requires handling COMSEC materials, coordinating with authorities, and guiding cross-functional teams through complex NSA/DoD policy frameworks.

Two years of hands-on cryptographic experience and familiarity with KMI, Envision, and Power Platform are highly valued.

Qualifications

• TS clearance with SCI/SAP eligibility required.
• Proficiency in COMSEC principles across lifecycle management.
• At least 2 years hands-on cryptographic key management experience.
• Strong understanding of COMSEC authorities and account management.
• Knowledge of NSA/DoD/DAF security policies for cryptographic materials.

Responsibilities

• Perform capability gap identification and analysis per NSA guidance memos.
• Provide KER support to HQ CCC, SAF/CN, HAF A6, Space Force S6 by collecting and reviewing packages.
• Coordinate with CONAUTH of DAF and COMSEC accounts to determine key extension actions.
• Other duties as assigned in the detailed description under Responsibilities.

Skills

TS Clearance with SCI/SAP Eligibility

COMSEC principles

Cryptographic key management

Cross-functional teamwork

Cloud tools administration

Tools

KMI

Power Platform

Envision

Job description

Why Work with us?

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world‑class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support. Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career‑driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state‑of‑the‑art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers.

Responsibilities include:

• Perform capability gap identification and analysis, based upon National Security Agency (NSA)-published guidance memos, detailing cryptographic algorithms that are reaching their end‑of‑life and potentially weakening DoW’s ability to secure its classified Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) links, also known as “Decertification.”
• Provide Key Extension Request (KER) support and advice to HQ CCC, SAF Office of the Chief Information Officer (SAF/CN), HAF A6, and Space Force (SF) S6 by collecting and reviewing packages, coordinating briefers and associated documentation, making recommendations, and assisting SAF/CN in scheduling associated briefs.
• Contact COMSEC material Controlling Authorities (CONAUTH) of DAF and DAF‑assigned COMSEC accounts, Program Management Offices (PMOs), and individual users, with Government oversight or approval, of cryptographic keying material, for the identified keying material and determine if their short titles will be cancelled, transitioned, or will not transition on time and will require a key extension request.
• Other duties as assigned in the detailed description under Responsibilities.

Qualifications/ Technical Experience Requirements:

• TS Clearance with SCI/SAP Eligibility.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Communication Security (COMSEC) principles, encompassing the entire lifecycle management of cryptographic equipment, from development and fielding to sustainment.
• Possesses a minimum of two years of hands‑on experience in cryptographic key management, including ordering, generation, distribution, and destruction, utilizing systems such as the Key Management Infrastructure (KMI).
• Exhibits a comprehensive understanding of the strategic roles and operational responsibilities of Controlling Authorities and COMSEC account management.
• In‑depth knowledge and experience with strategic level NSA, DoD, and DAF security policies and procedures as they pertain to cryptographic and keying material, associated classification guides pertaining to cryptographic algorithms, equipment, and COMSEC keying material.
• Minimum of two years of advanced staff experience with planning, organizing, and negotiating effectively with leading cross‑functional teams using existing Task Management Tool (TMT) or other staff coordination standards, document reviews, program updates, and background papers to drive the adoption of critical recommendations.
• Minimum of two years of advanced staff experience with planning, organizing, and negotiating effectively with leading cross‑functional teams to drive the adoption of critical recommendations.
• Knowledge and experience with administrative maintenance and support of cloud‑based business tools (e.g. Envision, Microsoft 365 Power Platforms), to ensure efficient operations, monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues and manage user accounts, permissions, and access rights.

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability, and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans, and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.