Senior Cybersecurity Engineer – Sensing and Communication Systems (REQ 341)

APPLIED PHYSICAL SCIENCES CORP; Groton (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Physical Sciences Corp (APS) in Groton, CT is seeking a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer to design secure embedded software for next-generation underwater maritime systems, including UUV payloads and sensing networks. You will build resilient architectures, implement cryptographic services, and work across hardware and software teams to meet mission requirements.

Candidates should have a strong background in C/C++, Linux, RMF/NIST guidance, and secure boot.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree with 5+ years of relevant experience, M.S. degree with 3+ years' experience, or Ph.D. degree with a concentration in computer science and/or cybersecurity engineering.
• 5+ years developing embedded software using C/C++ in Linux environments.
• Experience implementing cybersecurity requirements for embedded defense systems.
• Familiarity with RMF, NIST guidance, DoD cybersecurity policies, or system accreditation processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop embedded computing architectures, software, and secure data processing infrastructure for advanced maritime sensing and autonomous systems (40%).
• Design, implement, integrate, and validate cybersecurity features including cryptographic services, secure communications, system hardening, and trusted software architectures for embedded platforms (25%).
• Laboratory integration, hardware/software debugging, system verification, and participation in field testing aboard maritime platforms and autonomous vehicles (20%).
• Technical leadership, customer interaction, proposal support, and mentoring junior engineers (15%).

Skills

Embedded software development

C/C++ programming

Secure software architecture

Linux development

FPGA development

System hardening

Vulnerability assessment

Technical leadership

Education

B.S. in Computer/Electrical Engineering or CS

M.S. in related field

Ph.D. in related discipline

Tools

Linux

Xilinx Vivado

GDB

Wireshark

Git

Job description

Overview

Applied Physical Sciences (APS) is seeking a highly motivated Senior Cybersecurity Engineer to join our Sensing and Communication Systems Division. Successful candidates will possess a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline, with experience in embedded systems, secure computing architectures, and software development. Professional experience of five years is desired but may not be required in all circumstances. Successful applicants will support the design, development, and integration of cybersecurity solutions of next-generation underwater maritime systems including payloads for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), underwater sensing, tracking and communication arrays, acoustic communication transceivers, autonomous maritime platforms, and distributed sensing networks. This position offers the opportunity to develop secure embedded systems capable of operating in contested maritime environments where resiliency, cyber survivability, and mission assurance are critical design considerations. Candidates should have demonstrated experience designing embedded software architectures, implementing state machines and algorithms, and developing secure software for prototype R&D systems. Experience with FPGA-based systems, System-on-Chip/System-on-Module platforms, Digital Signal Processors, Microcontrollers, Linux-based embedded development, and C/C++ programming is highly desirable. Successful candidates will also contribute to the secure design of embedded platforms through implementation of cybersecurity best practices including secure boot, cryptographic services, trusted communications, vulnerability mitigation, hardware/software integration, and system hardening throughout the development lifecycle. APS works on exciting, technically challenging, cutting-edge technologies that expose engineers to multidisciplinary research while providing unique opportunities for innovation and professional growth. At APS you will work in a collaborative small-company environment where technical excellence is rewarded, entrepreneurial thinking is encouraged, and engineers work directly with customers developing next-generation defense technologies.

Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Design and develop embedded computing architectures, software, and secure data processing infrastructure for advanced maritime sensing and autonomous systems (40%)
• Design, implement, integrate, and validate cybersecurity features including cryptographic services, secure communications, system hardening, and trusted software architectures for embedded platforms (25%)
• Laboratory integration, hardware/software debugging, system verification, and participation in field testing aboard maritime platforms and autonomous vehicles (20%)
• Technical leadership, customer interaction, proposal support, and mentoring junior engineers (15%)

Required Skills and Attributes

• B.S. degree with 5+ years of relevant experience, M.S. degree with 3+ years' experience, or Ph.D. degree with no prior experience with a concentration in computer science and/or cybersecurity engineering
• 5+ years developing embedded software using C/C++ in Linux environments
• Experience implementing cybersecurity requirements for embedded defense systems
• Familiarity with the Risk Management Framework (RMF), NIST guidance, DoD cybersecurity policies, or system accreditation processes
• Experience with anti-tamper technologies, cryptographic integration, COMSEC equipment, secure key management, or trusted computing architectures
• Experience with secure boot, hardware root of trust, trusted execution environments, or secure firmware development
• Experience performing vulnerability assessments, security testing, or system hardening for embedded platforms
• Experience with embedded processors, System-on-Chip (SoC), System-on-Module (SoM), Digital Signal Processors, or Microcontrollers
• Experience designing software architectures for embedded or real-time systems
• Familiarity with FPGA development workflows and digital hardware integration
• Understanding of secure software development practices and embedded cybersecurity principles
• Experience with Linux development environments, version control systems, and software debugging tools
• Knowledge of embedded communication interfaces including SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, Ethernet, RS-232/422/485, or similar protocols
• Experience integrating embedded hardware and software into larger systems
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware and software using common laboratory instrumentation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Skills and Attributes

• Experience supporting unmanned or autonomous maritime systems
• Experience with underwater acoustic communications, sonar systems, or underwater sensing technologies
• Experience with FPGA development including VHDL, Xilinx Vivado, AXI architecture, and custom IP development
• Experience with userspace driver development in Linux
• Experience integrating ADCs, DACs, timing circuitry, and high-speed digital interfaces including LVDS and LVPECL
• Familiarity with Python, Bash, Git, Wireshark, GDB, and automated test frameworks
• Experience working in classified laboratory environments and handling sensitive or classified information
• Experience supporting proposal development, customer demonstrations, or business development
• Experience working in multidisciplinary R&D environments developing prototype defense technologies

APS, a wholly owned subsidiary of the General Dynamics Corporation, offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and comfortable working conditions.

Candidates must possess or be able to obtain a DoD security clearance. Please note, obtaining a security clearance is a condition of employment which typically requires US citizenship and a thorough background investigation.

An immediate full-time position is open in the following locations: Pawcatuck, CT; Groton, CT

EOE: Vet/Disability