Systems Security Engineer (Hybrid)

Nightwing; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Nightwing is seeking a Systems Security Engineer to ensure secure product integration into forward-deployed DoD tactical systems, including radars and C4ISR. You will work with customer program offices to address operational constraints while meeting DoD requirements.

This role requires hands-on security engineering for hardware/software in test labs and field environments, not just enterprise IT. Active Secret or TS clearance is strongly preferred.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of DoD cybersecurity requirements, frameworks, and processes (RMF, Anti-Tamper, Cyber Survivability, Zero Trust).
• Experience developing security artifacts beyond checkbox compliance and mapping requirements across frameworks.
• Ability to interface with platform security engineering and accreditation authorities.

Responsibilities

• Integrate products into security architectures for tactical platforms.
• Map security requirements across frameworks and translate into implementable solutions.
• Create security artifacts such as Attack Trees, Key Management Plans, and System Security Plans.
• Work with authorities to support authorization processes.
• Communicate with government stakeholders and engineers to deliver practical security outcomes.

Skills

Tactical DoD systems

Security architecture design

Real-time systems security

Embedded security

Security integration

Threat models

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Systems Security Engineer (SSE)

Work at the forefront of cybersecurity research and development, delivering capabilities to protect national security. Our projects cover the spectrum of security technologies, hardware architectures, and operating systems; if it runs code, we're interested in its security. We see the impact we have on our nation's security each day. We ensure our engineers have the tools they need to excel and we recognize superb results.

Position Overview

We're seeking a Systems Security Engineer to ensure secure product integration into forward-deployed DoD tactical systems such as radars, missile defense platforms, C4ISR systems, and other mission-critical fielded equipment. You'll work directly with customer platform program offices to help architect security approaches that address operational constraints of tactical environments while meeting DoD security requirements.

This is not an administrative RMF compliance role. We need someone who can engineer security into tactical hardware/software systems at the lowest levels, then help navigate the authorization process. You'll work hands-on with actual platforms in test labs and operational environments, not just enterprise IT infrastructure.

Active Secret or TS clearance strongly preferred.

What You'll Do

• Integrate products into security architectures
• Develop security solutions that work within the constraints of forward-deployed systems (SWaP limitations, real-time requirements, etc)
• Create meaningful security artifacts including Attack Trees for operational systems, Key Management Plans for product or system crypto implementations, and System Security Plans for fielded platforms
• Map security requirements across different customer frameworks (800-53, Anti-Tamper, Cyber Survivability, Zero Trust) and translate them into implementable technical solutions
• Interface with platform security personnel and accreditation authorities to support authorization processes

Required Skills Include:

Core Technical Experience

• Experience with tactical/embedded DoD systems - actual hands-on security or software integration work with platforms such as:
• Radar systems
• Missile defense systems
• Avionics or flight control systems
• C4ISR equipment
• Electronic warfare systems
• Tactical communication systems
• Other forward-deployed mission systems
• Security architecture design for resource-constrained and real-time systems
• Understanding of hardware security constraints in tactical environments
• Experience integrating commercial security products into government platforms or weapon systems
• Knowledge of operational security considerations for forward-deployed systems

DoD Security Framework Knowledge

• Deep knowledge of DoD cybersecurity requirements, frameworks, and processes (RMF, Anti-Tamper, Cyber Survivability, Zero Trust, etc.)
• Experience with security artifact development that goes beyond checkbox compliance
• Understanding of cryptographic implementations and key management in operational contexts
• Ability to map security requirements across different frameworks
• Experience interfacing with platform security engineering and accreditation authorities

Professional Skills

• Strong technical writing and documentation skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical teams and government stakeholders
• Experience working on-platform or in test labs with actual hardware and software

Valuable Additional Skills and Experience Include:

Platform & System Security

• TPM and Secure Boot technologies implementation
• Familiarity with OS internals (Linux and/or Windows) in embedded or tactical contexts
• Real-time operating system (RTOS) security considerations
• Experience with weapon system or tactical platform security requirements

Security Testing & Assessment

• Security testing methodologies (penetration testing, vulnerability assessment) for embedded systems
• Knowledge of security assessment tools (static/dynamic analysis, fuzzing) applicable to tactical systems
• Experience with security requirements for embedded systems or kernel/driver software

Our Ideal Candidate

Someone who has:

• Actually worked on tactical platforms in labs, test ranges, or operational environments
• Designed security solutions for systems with real operational constraints
• The ability to navigate complex DoD security requirements while delivering practical, implementable solutions
• Experience translating between the operational/engineering world and the compliance/accreditation world

Security Clearance:

Qualified applicants may be subject to a security investigation and must meet minimum qualifications for access to classified information. U.S. Citizenship is required. Qualified applicants must meet the requirements to obtain and maintain a Secret government security clearance. Active Secret or TS clearance strongly preferred.

Our Interviews:

Our interviews will assess your hands-on experience with tactical DoD systems, your ability to design practical security solutions for operational environments, and your understanding of how to navigate DoD security processes. Be prepared to discuss:

• Experience with security implementation of tactical platforms or weapon systems
• Technical security challenges you've solved in resource-constrained environments
• How you've translated operational security requirements into implementable solutions
• Your experience with security artifacts
• Real-world integration challenges and how you addressed them

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we’ll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.