COMSEC Engineer – Functional Lead

AMERICAN SYSTEMS; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 159,600 - 266,500; Full time

Job summary

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is seeking a COMSEC Engineer Team Lead in the Arlington, VA area to provide senior technical leadership for communications security engineering in classified environments. You will direct COMSEC activities including key management, cryptographic algorithms, unit deliverables, and certification support.

The role requires a Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility, extensive supervisory experience, and a track record of implementing secure communications across complex systems.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline and 10 years of directly relevant experience
• 6 Years of supervisory COMSEC experience
• Six years’ supervisory COMSEC experience in key architecture and ECU deliverables
• Experience with cryptographic algorithms and interfacing with system developers and international partners
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility

Responsibilities

• Lead COMSEC engineering activities involving cryptographic architecture and secure keying concepts.
• Direct technical coordination for electronic cryptographic unit deliverables, certification activities, and integration dependencies.
• Evaluate cryptographic algorithms and key-management approaches for alignment with security requirements.
• Oversee lifecycle controls for COMSEC material, equipment, records, inventories, and accountability.
• Coordinate with system developers, engineers, operators, and Government security stakeholders to resolve COMSEC issues.
• Advise program leadership on risks, compliance considerations, and corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain engineering procedures and implementation guidance for COMSEC activities.
• Guide team execution and quality control across recurring engineering, certification, and operational support.

Skills

COMSEC engineering

Leadership

Key management

Cryptographic algorithms

Stakeholder liaison

Education

Master’s degree in a relevant discipline

Bachelor’s degree + 14 years related experience

Job description

Overview

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Program Mission Support, Engineering & Analysis, and Training.

Responsibilities

As The COMSEC Engineer Team Lead you will:

• Provide senior technical leadership for communications security engineering in classified operational and system environments.
• Direct COMSEC engineering activities involving cryptographic key architecture, key-management processes, cryptographic algorithms, electronic cryptographic unit deliverables, certification support, and lifecycle control of sensitive materials.
• Translate technical COMSEC requirements into executable engineering and operational practices, coordinates with system developers and Government security stakeholders, and advises program leadership on technical risks and compliance matters. By integrating secure communications protections with broader system, facility, and authorization activities
• The COMSEC Engineer Functional Lead promotes reliable cryptographic implementation, disciplined accountability, and consistent execution of applicable national-level communications security requirements.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Lead COMSEC engineering activities involving cryptographic architecture, secure keying concepts, and classified communications requirements.
• Direct technical coordination for electronic cryptographic unit deliverables, certification activities, and integration dependencies.
• Evaluate cryptographic algorithms, key-management approaches, and implementation plans for alignment with approved security requirements.
• Oversee lifecycle controls for COMSEC material, equipment, records, inventories, and accountability processes.
• Coordinate with system developers, engineers, operators, and Government security stakeholders to resolve COMSEC integration issues.
• Advise program leadership on technical risks, compliance considerations, and corrective actions affecting secure communications.
• Develop and maintain engineering procedures, technical documentation, and implementation guidance for COMSEC activities.
• Guide team execution and quality control across recurring engineering, certification, and operational support requirements.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant discipline and 10 years of directly relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline plus 14 years of directly related work experience.
• 6 Years of supervisory experience in developing COMSEC key architecture, and in End Cryptological Unit (ECU) Deliverables, process and certification.
• Six years’ 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.
• Familiarity with NSA UIC process.
• Familiarity with KMI and EKMS systems. Experience must include support to Special Access Program and Sensitive Compartmented Information environments
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively across Government, contractor, and external stakeholders; prepare briefings, reports, standard operating procedures, and official correspondence; and lead a team in fast paced classified environments.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility; must be able to meet any applicable Special Access Program eligibility requirements identified by the Government.

Pay Transparency Statement

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $159,600.00/Yr. - USD $266,500.00/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.

EEO Statement

EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status