Nuclear Codes and Crypto Engineer, Lead

The MITRE Corporation; Clearfield (UT); On-site; USD 159,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

MITRE Corporation is seeking an engineer to advance security for a U.S. Air Force weapon system program at Hill AFB, Utah. The role focuses on NC2 cryptography, cryptographic modernization, and integrating cryptography with DoD security standards across contractor teams.

The position requires TS clearance eligibility, DoD security awareness, and strong systems engineering and cybersecurity background. On-site work at Hill AFB is required.

Qualifications

• Typically requires 8+ years with a BS in CS/CE/Cybersecurity or 6+ years with MS; or PhD with 3 years’ experience.
• Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain Top Secret.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Familiarity with NSS cryptography and cybersecurity requirements.
• Demonstrated success in applying cybersecurity knowledge to conduct systems engineering analysis.
• Ability to summarize technical concepts and research results verbally and in writings/presentations.
• Ability to work with Government, FFRDC/UARC, and Contractor teams.
• Self-starter with problem-solving capabilities in ambiguous environments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct engineering analysis of contractor design in cybersecurity, NC2 cryptography, nuclear codes, COMSEC and key management, vulnerability analysis, post-quantum cryptography, and digital engineering.
• Evaluate and validate contractor’s design for NC2 and crypto capabilities meeting weapon system requirements and cybersecurity rules.
• Advise senior leaders on COMSEC devices and algorithms; prepare and present technical papers to Air Force leaders.
• Research capabilities for resilience and security in systems and technology.
• Develop cryptographic roadmaps and integration plans for Air Force weapon systems and interoperability with STRATCOM keys and codes.

Skills

NC2 cryptography

Cybersecurity analysis

Cryptographic key management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/Cybersecurity

Master's degree with 6+ years

PhD with 3+ years

Tools

DOORS

Cameo

TeamCenter

STK

AFSIM

MATLAB

Job description

At MITRE, your passion fuels work that impacts our nation and improves lives. This is where your skills strengthen national security, cybersecurity, health, transportation, and citizen services. We’re a nonprofit engineering, applied research, and advanced technology organization working in the public interest. With objectivity and integrity at our core, we lead federally funded research and development centers for U.S. government agencies – collaborating with industry and academia to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions that advance our nation’s health, security, and prosperity. Our people tackle the toughest technical challenges, supported by competitive benefits, meaningful career development, and a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. Choose MITRE for a career with purpose — and help shape the future. MITRE's Nuclear Weapon Systems and C2 Platforms Department is seeking an engineer with expertise in Nuclear Codes and Cryptography to join a team focused on building security into the acquisition of a modern nuclear weapon system. The selected candidate will contribute to advancing and providing cutting edge systems and resiliency engineering services for an Air Force Weapons System Program Office at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. This position is located with the Sponsor at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The position could potentially be filled by a candidate located in Bedford, MA which would require additional travel to Hill AFB, UT.

Responsibilities Include:

• + Conduct engineering analysis of contractor’s proposed design the following technical / cyber areas: cybersecurity; nuclear command & control (NC2) cryptography; nuclear codes and critical signals; government and commercial cryptographic solutions, algorithms, and lifecycle support; COMSEC and key management; vulnerability analysis and mitigation development; post-quantum cryptography; and digital engineering.
• + Evaluate and validate prime contractor’s design for the sufficiency of NC2, non-NC2, and commercial cryptographic capabilities including hardware and software, algorithm selection, and key, nuclear code and certificate management to meet weapon system requirements and national, DoW, and Air Force cybersecurity requirements. Perform trade studies and system level tradeoffs.
• + Advise senior material leaders on the use of COMSEC devices and algorithms in accordance with National Security Systems and Air Force policies. Prepare and present technical presentations and papers and present to senior Air Force leaders.
• + Research cutting-edge technical capabilities and processes for understanding, assessing, and analyzing systems and technology resilience and security.
• + Develop cryptographic roadmaps, modernization strategies and integration plans for the use of cryptography in an Air Force weapon system and be interoperable with STRATCOM nuclear keys & codes distribution methods.

Basic Qualifications

• + Typically requires a minimum, of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity, or related discipline; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or PhD with 3 years’ experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• + Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
• + U.S. Citizenship required.
• + Familiarity with National Security System (NSS) cryptography and cybersecurity requirements.
• + Demonstrated success in applying cybersecurity knowledge to conduct systems engineering analysis.
• + Ability to clearly summarize technical concepts and research results verbally and in writings/presentations.
• + Ability to work as part of a Government, FFRDC/UARC, and Contractor team to solve challenging technical problems.
• + Must be a self-starter with creative thinking and problem-solving capabilities, able to function within an ambiguous and dynamic environment with minimal supervision.
• + This position has an on-site requirement of 5 days a week on-site.
• + Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Top Secret level security clearance including SAP access. This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s): Secret This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s): Top Secret

Preferred Qualifications

• + Experience in nuclear keys & codes, government and commercial cryptographic capabilities, algorithms, and security services and their application in a National Security System.
• + Experience with quantum computing and the effects of quantum computing on cryptography and cyber security.
• + Skills and commitment to building, contributing to, and sustaining high-performance teams, achieving team goals, growing trust, and collaboration.
• + Experience with tools such as DOORS, Cameo, TeamCenter, STK, AFSIM, Matlab + Experience supporting a major Department of Defense acquisition program.
• + Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Top Secret level security clearance including SAP access. This requisition requires the candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s): Top Secret

Salary compensation range and midpoint: $158,800 - $198,500 - $238,200 Annual Work Location Type: Onsite

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