COMSEC Engineer - Functional Lead

ARMADA, Ltd.; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

ARMADA, Ltd. Arlington, VA seeks a COMSEC Engineer to lead cryptographic and key management for F-35 systems. You will ensure DoD accreditation and RMF compliance while guiding government security personnel and coordinating with national cryptographic authorities.

Responsibilities include developing accreditation packages, updating documentation, and providing expert guidance on COMSEC topics to meet program security objectives. A top secret with SCI clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Six+ years of supervisory COMSEC experience and experience 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.
• Master's Degree in a relevant field; or a bachelor's degree and 4 additional years of relevant work experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide COMSEC engineering for the F‑35 systems cryptographic and key management architecture.
• Support certification and accreditation activities including DoD RMF compliance.
• Assist in acquiring NSA approval of cryptographic changes to F‑35 High Assurance Devices.
• Attend working groups and meetings to develop accreditation packages and document security responsibilities.
• Consolidate material for accreditation packages and submit documentation for review and approval.
• Provide SME guidance on equipment design, support, and actions to meet COMSEC objectives.
• Update FRDs, FPDs, SOPs, plans, and training materials within 90 days of each Task Order award and annually thereafter.

Skills

Cryptographic systems

Key management

COMSEC engineering

DoD RMF

Documentation consolidation

NSA UIC process

EKMS systems

Education

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree + 4 years experience

Tools

KMI

EKMS

Job description

Type: Full Time

Location: Arlington, Virgina

Overtime Exempt: No

Reports To: ARMADA HQ

Security Clearance Required: Top Secret w/ SCI

• CONTINGENT UPON AWARD********************

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.

Duties & Responsibilities

• The COMSEC Engineer - Functional Lead performs COMSEC engineering for the F‑35 systems cryptographic and key management architecture, ensuring secure integration and alignment with program requirements.
• The COMSEC Engineer - Functional Lead provides 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.
• The COMSEC Engineer ensures 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

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (KSAs)

• 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.

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.

Disclaimer

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of the contractor assigned to this position.

Special Notes

Relocation is not available for these jobs.

ARMADA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. ARMADA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non‑discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Must be able to successfully pass a background check, and pre‑employment drug testing. Job offers are contingent upon results of background check and drug testing.