Senior Space Cryptographic Systems Architect

Umbra; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Time Off

Medical Insurance

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Long-term Disability

Pet Insurance

Stock Options

401k with company contribution

Free Parking

Free Lunch

Job summary

Umbra in Arlington, VA is seeking a Cryptographic Systems Engineer to own Type-1 cryptographic architectures across space and ground segments. You will lead secure comms designs from concept through NSA certification, ensuring high resiliency and compliance while supporting rapid development and on-orbit operations.

You will collaborate with mission systems, spacecraft, ground software, and government customers, serving as the technical authority for cryptographic integration and certification

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or CS.
• 8+ years of engineering experience with cryptographic systems or secure communications.
• Experience with NSA Type-1 cryptographic equipment and certification processes.
• Ability to obtain/maintain U.S. Government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end architecture and design of Type-1 cryptographic integrations across spacecraft, payload, and ground segment.
• Lead crypto designs from concept through certification and on-orbit operations.
• Define COMSEC architecture for command, telemetry, and mission data protection.
• Interface with NSA, certification authorities, and government customers on cryptographic certification.
• Drive artifacts, test evidence, and documentation for approval to operate.
• Collaborate with flight software, avionics, RF, ground, and security teams to integrate cryptographic functions.
• Support COMSEC handling and key management for on-orbit fleet operations.
• Identify cryptographic and supply-chain risks; establish reusable standards across production.

Skills

Cryptographic systems

Security clearance

Systems thinking

RF interfaces

Certification processes

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering/CS

Tools

NSA Type-1 hardware

Certification authorities

Job description

Umbra in Arlington, VA is seeking a Cryptographic Systems Engineer to own Type-1 cryptographic architectures across space and ground segments. You will lead secure comms designs from concept through NSA certification, ensuring high resiliency and compliance while supporting rapid development and on-orbit operations.

You will collaborate with mission systems, spacecraft, ground software, and government customers, serving as the technical authority for cryptographic integration and certification