Crypto Requirements Analyst - Cyber Capability Center - TS/SCI/SAP Eligibility

Applied Research Solutions; Illinois; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Solutions seeks experts to analyze mission-critical cryptographic systems, assess capability gaps, and recommend secure, efficient solutions with government oversight. You will map requirements, conduct gap analyses, and prepare briefs to leadership for capability enhancements.

Role involves cross-functional collaboration, program reviews, and adherence to NSA/DoD/DAF crypto policies while coordinating with stakeholders to advance cryptographic readiness.

Qualifications

• Requires TS clearance with SCI/SAP eligibility.
• Must be a US citizen.
• Demonstrated proficiency in COMSEC lifecycle management of cryptographic equipment.
• Two years hands-on experience in cryptographic key management using KMI.
• Understanding of Controlling Authorities and COMSEC account management.
• In-depth knowledge of NSA/DoD/DAF security policies related to crypto materials.
• Two years advanced staff experience with cross-functional teams and Task Management Tool (TMT).
• Experience with cloud-based tools (e.g., MS Power Platform) for operations and access management.

Responsibilities

• Conduct analysis and develop recommendations with Government oversight regarding mission critical tactical systems.
• Provide HQ CCC with research analysis and mitigation recommendations for capability gaps.
• Research and analyze capability gaps (SWaP, net readiness, etc.) via interviews and studies.
• Conduct document reviews to map requirements to capability gaps.
• Analyze validated gaps and recommend requirements for material solutions.
• Perform gap analysis using Study Plans, AoA, etc.
• Recommend alternatives that efficiently eliminate vulnerabilities.
• Document results in RSR/SPR/AFRRG briefings and align with CDD pathways.
• Analyze previous Algorithm Transition projects and new phase entries.
• Analyze modifications and propose fielding plans to mitigate cryptographic gaps.

Skills

TS Clearance with SCI/SAP Eligibility

US Citizenship

COMSEC Lifecycle Management

Cryptographic Key Management (KMI)

Cross-functional Team Coordination

Cloud Tools (Power Platform)

Education

Tools

Key Management Infrastructure (KMI)

Task Management Tool (TMT)

Microsoft 365 Power Platform

Job description

Responsibilities

• Conduct analysis and develop recommendations, with Government oversight and approval, regarding the requirements of mission critical tactical systems that are employed on a wide range of air and ground-based systems. Systems covered will include all current airborne platforms (e.g. F‑15, F‑22, F‑35, KC‑46, C‑17, VC‑25, MQ‑9, WASP, etc.) and may include planned/future airborne platforms; It also covers all ground communications system such as Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), Theater Deployed Communication (TDC), Beyond Line‑of‑Sight (BLOS); and crypto capable radios, including Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS), PRC‑117, Land Mobile Radio (LMR) devices, etc.
• Provide HQ CCC with research analysis, and recommendations to mitigate the vulnerabilities documented as capability gaps in Task 2 (and from other sources outside the contractor). Contractor’s research shall be guided by directives from higher headquarters, the NSA, and other agencies involved in cryptographic management or COMSEC.
• Research and analyze capability gaps (e.g., bandwidth, size, weight, and power {SWaP}, net readiness, and any other gap identified by the warfighter) by interacting with the user community through interviews, site visits, and analysis of previous studies (if another Agency or Service conducted a related study).
• Conduct document reviews (e.g., Capability Based Assessment (CBA), Initial Capability Document (ICD), Technology Readiness reports, and threat assessments) to map overarching requirements to the capability gap.
• Analyze the validated capability gaps and recommend requirements that may be used to develop or obtain a material solution.
• Perform gap analysis through methods such as a Study Plan, Study Guidance, and Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), to analyze and evaluate potential solutions to fulfill the requirement(s) or eliminate the capability gap(s).
• Recommend the alternative(s) that will result in the most timely and effective elimination of the stated vulnerability and improve the deployed warfighters’ cryptographic capability.
• Document results in a Requirements Strategy Review (RSR), Solution Pathway Review (SPR), or AF Requirements Review Group (AFRRG) briefing. The Contractor shall incorporate Air Force leadership recommendations into the Capabilities Development Document (CDD) or selected pathway Requirements Document.
• Analyze previous projects under the Algorithm Transition efforts and those that are entering into a new phase.
• Analyze potential modifications and alternative solutions, and recommend, either written or verbal as requested by the Government, a way to address capability gaps as well as a fielding plan to mitigate all cryptographic gaps identified.
• Other duties as assigned in the detailed description under Responsibilities.

Qualifications / Technical Experience Requirements

• TS Clearance with SCI/SAP Eligibility.
• Must be US Citizen.
• 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.