Cryptography and Nuclear Codes Engineer, Lead

The Mitre Corporation • Clearfield, UT

8d • $158,800 - $238,200 • Onsite

About The Position

MITRE’s Cryptography, ICAM, and System Assurance department is seeking an engineer with expertise in nuclear codes and cryptography to help build security into the acquisition of a modern nuclear weapon system. The selected candidate will provide systems and resiliency engineering services for an Air Force Weapons System Program Office at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The role focuses on cryptographic and cybersecurity engineering for nuclear and non-nuclear command-and-control capabilities, weapon-system design, and associated acquisition activities.

The position is located on site with the sponsor at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. It could potentially be filled by a candidate located in Bedford, Massachusetts; McLean, Virginia; or San Antonio, Texas, with additional travel to Hill Air Force Base required. The position has an on-site requirement of five days per week.

Requirements

• Typically, at least 8 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree, 6 years with a master’s degree, or 3 years with a Ph.D.; an equivalent combination of related education and work experience may also qualify.
• Familiarity with National Security System (NSS) cryptography and cybersecurity requirements.
• Demonstrated success applying cybersecurity knowledge to systems engineering analysis.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts and research results verbally and in writing or presentations.
• Ability to work with Government, FFRDC/UARC, and contractor teams to solve challenging technical problems.
• Self-starter with creative thinking and problem-solving capabilities, able to work in an ambiguous and dynamic environment with minimal supervision.
• Active Secret U.S. Government-issued security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to be considered for a security clearance.
• Available to work on site five days per week.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with nuclear keys and codes, government and commercial cryptographic capabilities, algorithms, and security services and their application in a National Security System.
• Experience with quantum computing and its effects on cryptography and cybersecurity.
• Skills and commitment to building, contributing to, and sustaining high-performance teams, achieving team goals, and fostering trust and collaboration.
• Experience with tools such as DOORS, Cameo, TeamCenter, STK, AFSIM, and Matlab.
• Experience supporting a major Department of Defense acquisition program.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Top Secret clearance, including SAP access.

Responsibilities

• Conduct engineering analysis of contractor-proposed designs in cybersecurity; nuclear command and control cryptography; nuclear codes and critical signals; government and commercial cryptographic solutions, algorithms, and lifecycle support; COMSEC and key management; vulnerability analysis and mitigation; post-quantum cryptography; and digital engineering.
• Evaluate and validate the prime contractor’s design for the sufficiency of NC2, non-NC2, and commercial cryptographic capabilities, including hardware, software, algorithm selection, and key, nuclear code, and certificate management, against weapon-system, national, Department of War, and Air Force cybersecurity requirements.
• Perform trade studies and system-level tradeoffs.
• Advise senior material leaders on the use of COMSEC devices and algorithms in accordance with National Security Systems and Air Force policies.
• Prepare and present technical presentations and papers, including presentations to senior Air Force leaders.
• Research emerging technical capabilities and processes for understanding, assessing, and analyzing system and technology resilience and security.
• Develop cryptographic roadmaps, modernization strategies, and integration plans for cryptography in an Air Force weapon system, ensuring interoperability with STRATCOM nuclear keys and codes distribution methods.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior