COMSEC Engineer - Functional Lead

Armada LTD; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

ARMADA LTD in Arlington, VA seeks a COMSEC Engineer to provide specialized expertise in cryptographic systems, key management, and NSA approval processes for F35 High Assurance Devices. You will ensure DoD RMF compliance and develop secure documentation across the program.

The role requires extensive COMSEC experience, top secret with SCI clearance, and the ability to coordinate with national cryptographic authorities to meet program security objectives.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of cryptographic systems, key management architectures, and COMSEC engineering principles for military aircraft.
• Experience supporting DoD RMF tasks and related documentation.
• Ability to coordinate with national cryptographic authorities and validate keying material usage.
• Familiarity with accreditation package development and security requirements.

Responsibilities

• The COMSEC Engineer - Functional Lead performs COMSEC engineering for cryptographic and key management architecture.
• Supports certification and accreditation activities for DoD RMF compliance.
• Assists in obtaining NSA approval of cryptographic changes to high assurance devices.
• Facilitates meetings to develop accreditation packages and documents security responsibilities.
• Consolidates materials for accreditation and submits to Government Security Lead for review.
• Provides guidance on equipment design and actions to meet program security objectives.
• Ensures all FRDs, FPDs, SOPs, plans, and training materials are updated within defined timelines.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

COMSEC engineering

Key management architectures

DoD RMF tasks

Documentation

NSA approval processes

Program security knowledge

F35 program experience

Education

Master's Degree in relevant field

Bachelor's + 4y experience

Tools

EKMS systems

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 F35 High Assurance Devices. This role ensures compliance with DoD security and accreditation requirements, supports RMFrelated 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 F35 program.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• The COMSEC Engineer - Functional Lead performs COMSEC engineering for the F35 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 F35 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 F35 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.