Space Cryptography Architect — Secure Spacecraft Communications

Umbra Lab, Inc.; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Time Off

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Stock Options

401k with company contribution

Free Parking

Free lunch daily in office

Job summary

Umbra Lab, Inc. is seeking a Cryptographic Systems Engineer to own architecture, integration, and lifecycle management of Type-1 cryptographic capabilities across space and ground systems.

You will lead secure communications architectures from concept through NSA certification, collaborating with mission systems, spacecraft, ground software, and government customers to ensure high performance, resiliency, and compliance while enabling rapid development and deployment of advanced space systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 8+ years of engineering experience with cryptographic systems, COMSEC, or secure communications.
• Direct experience with NSA Type-1 cryptographic equipment, integration, and certification processes.
• Working knowledge of key management, key loading, and COMSEC handling requirements.
• Experience taking hardware or system designs through certification and accreditation to operational use.
• Strong systems-level thinking across hardware, software, and RF boundaries.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end architecture and design of Type-1 cryptographic integrations across spacecraft, payload, and ground segment.
• Lead crypto designs from concept through implementation, integration, certification, and on-orbit operations.
• Define COMSEC architecture for command, telemetry, and mission data protection including encryption and key management.
• Interface with NSA, certification authorities, and government customers on cryptographic certification and accreditation.
• Drive certification and accreditation artifacts, test evidence, and documentation for operation approval.
• Collaborate with flight software, avionics, RF, ground, and security teams to integrate cryptographic functions.

Skills

Cryptographic systems

COMSEC

Secure communications

NSA Type-1 equipment

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

NSA Type-1 hardware

Certification processes

Job description

Umbra Lab, Inc. is seeking a Cryptographic Systems Engineer to own architecture, integration, and lifecycle management of Type-1 cryptographic capabilities across space and ground systems.

You will lead secure communications architectures from concept through NSA certification, collaborating with mission systems, spacecraft, ground software, and government customers to ensure high performance, resiliency, and compliance while enabling rapid development and deployment of advanced space systems.