Senior Communications Security (COMSEC) Engineer

Nowges; Fort Belvoir (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Nowges is seeking a Senior Communications Security (COMSEC) Engineer for Fort Belvoir, VA to support DoD contract operations. The role requires extensive experience with COMSEC devices, cryptographic hardware, and secure communications, with DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance expected.

You will lead end-to-end configuration, deployment, and sustainment of cryptographic fleets, ensuring policy adherence and timely rekeying.

Qualifications

• BS degree (or higher) with 8–12 years of relevant experience, or MS with 6–10 years.
• At least 4 years in IT with 2+ years in COMSEC or security-related work.
• Familiarity with GEMOne and Chimera cryptographic management software.
• Experience with TACLANE devices (KG-175F/G/X).
• Knowledge of cryptographic devices, COMSEC principles, and network security.

Responsibilities

• Orchestrates compliance with COMSEC policies and security requirements.
• Configures, deploys, and maintains high-assurance cryptographic hardware.
• Sustains active cryptographic fleets and schedules refreshes to avoid outages.
• Manages keying material lifecycle and secure distribution protocols.
• Performs high-tempo rekeying aligned with crypto-periods.
• Tracks COMSEC assets and provides real-time status visibility.
• Leads accountability efforts and maintains audit-ready documentation.
• Delivers custodian training and coordinates with cross-functional teams.
• Coordinates with external customers and deployments to meet security standards.
• Provides SME guidance on cryptographic integration and risk mitigation.
• Supports CONUS-wide missions with hardware installation and troubleshooting.

Skills

Strong collaboration

Customer service

Self-starter

Independent working

Education

BS degree in a technical field

Tools

GEMOne

Chimera

KG-175F/G/X TACLANE

Routers/Switches/Firewalls

Job description

Senior Communications Security (COMSEC) Engineer

Full Time – Fort Belvoir, VA, US

Salary Range: $110,000.00 To $125,000.00 Annually

GES is seeking a Senior Communications Security (COMSEC) Engineer in Fort Belvoir, VA to support large-scale migration and operations on a large, high-profile DoW contract. The I3TS program provides enterprise-wide IT support to enable DTRA’s Information Management & Technology Directorate (ITD) to consolidate, modernize, and continuously innovate the delivery of IT services and mission capabilities to DTRA’s internal and external mission partners operating in CONUS and OCONUS locations.

The Senior COMSEC Engineer will provide full life-cycle IT support across numerous customer systems. The COMSEC Engineer will implement COMSEC policies and procedures, ensuring the protection of the organization’s information systems from unauthorized access or use. The successful candidate should have hands-on experience configuring and keying COMSEC devices as well as a solid understanding of networking equipment and information security. The candidate should also have strong organizational skills, be attentive to detail, and have strong written and verbal communication skills.

Primary work location: Fort Belvoir, VA. Secondary work location: Reston, VA.

DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance required.

Primary Responsibilities

• Orchestrates organizational adherence to COMSEC policies, spearheading internal oversight programs to ensure 100% user compliance with federal and agency-specific security requirements.
• Engineers the end-to-end configuration, deployment, and integration of high-assurance cryptographic hardware, utilizing advanced diagnostics to minimize mean time to repair (MTTR) and maximize system uptime.
• Manages the health and sustainment of active cryptographic fleets, implements proactive maintenance strategies and scheduled refreshes to eliminate service disruptions during mission-critical windows.
• Safeguards the integrity of physical and electronic keying material, meticulously managing the lifecycle of COMSEC aids through rigorous protection and distribution protocols.
• Executes high-tempo rekeying schedules in strict alignment with customer-mandated crypto-periods, ensuring zero lapse in secure communication capabilities across the enterprise.
• Maintains comprehensive accountability of COMSEC assets across disparate accounts and networks, utilizing automated tracking systems to provide real-time visibility of hardware and material status.
• Leads enterprise-level accountability efforts, consistently achieving "Satisfactory" or "Excellent" ratings during annual inspections and external audits through precise material documentation.
• Serves as the Lead COMSEC Authority, developing and delivering specialized custodian training programs for cross-functional teams to standardize security practices and mitigate human-factor risks.
• Synchronizes COMSEC operations with external customers and deployment teams, ensuring all installation schedules remain compliant with evolving security standards and mission milestones.
• Provides subject matter expertise on complex cryptographic integration and mission-driven security architecture, advising senior leadership on technical risks and mitigation strategies.
• Conducts CONUS-wide mission support, deploying high-priority sites to lead complex hardware installations, emergency troubleshooting, and critical infrastructure maintenance.

Required Qualifications

• BS degree and 8 – 12 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 6 – 10 years of prior relevant experience. May possess a Doctorate in technical domain. Specific experience, education and training may be considered in lieu of degree.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in an IT-related field with at least 2 years of prior COMSEC or other security-related experience.
• Familiarity with GEMOne and Chimera cryptographic network management software suites.
• Extensive experience with General Dynamics TACLANE devices (specifically KG-175F, G and X).
• Knowledge of current cryptographic devices/methods as well as COMSEC principles and practices.
• Ability to implement processes and maintain administrative documentation.
• Knowledge and basic understanding of network transport devices that are attached to the encryption devices (examples: routers, switches, firewalls).
• Knowledge and basic understanding of Information Security practices and devices.
• Strong collaboration and customer service skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.
• Self-starter with ability to work independently as well as in team environments.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in network and network security design where under general direction, manages the design, installation and support of LAN/WAN based networks and security components such as routers, switches and firewalls, and datacenter equipment.