Principal Security Engineer (U. S. Air Force)

Skylight

7h•Remote

About The Position

At Skylight, a security engineer stays up to date with the cutting edge of security and helps Skylight implement new processes, tools, and remediations. They’re familiar with modern software development and work in cross-functional teams to inform and guide security best practices at all stages of the software development life cycle. In this role, you’ll partner with a mission-critical organization within the U.S. Air Force Special Operations community to secure and modernize complex digital environments that underpin highly specialized operations. Leveraging your expertise in DoD Security Ops, NIST RMF, and Kubernetes, you’ll ensure the delivery of secure, scalable solutions that maintain ATO compliance and mission readiness. You will be responsible for the security posture of a software portfolio for the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) through our BESPIN partnership, with a primary focus on implementing innovative and flexible security frameworks for mobile applications and CI/CD pipelines.

Requirements

Experience with DoD Security Ops, ATO (Authority to Operate) processes, NIST RMF, and CI/CD
Experience with cloud infrastructure and Kubernetes
High level of innovation and flexibility
Ability to detect risks by continually reviewing all aspects of the application for vulnerabilities and enumerating them
Ability to review software security vulnerabilities and enumerate them
Possess an understanding of various kinds of security assessments, such as white-hat hacking and penetration testing
Can mitigate security risks at each stage of the software development life cycle with an understanding of how to prevent these risks in the first place
Ability to interpret and translate non-technical material, such as regulations, into business and technical requirements
Understand common security pitfalls and can help the team avoid them
Can select and use the right tools for the job, particularly open-source solutions
Ability to work successfully within a professional services environment (e.g., can communicate effectively with clients)
Passionate about creating better public outcomes through great government services
A mindset and work approach that align with Skylight’s core values
Ability to travel for work from time to time
All work must be conducted within the U.S., excluding U.S. territories
U.S. citizenship to be eligible for employment
May be required to obtain a public trust or security clearance, up to Top Secret
May be required to complete a company background check successfully
Some of our available roles are on federal contracts that require a degree or additional years of experience as a substitute

Nice To Haves

Experience with AWS
Coding experience
DOD 8570 IAT Level II or III certifications
Experience with tactical edge deployments or air-gapped solutions
Experience designing, multi-step forms with thoughtful validation patterns and clear error handling to support seamless user input experiences
Lead and facilitate collaborative workshops to align stakeholders, gather insights, and drive decision-making
Experience owning design work by leading projects or serving as the sole designer, balancing strategy, execution, and cross-functional collaboration
Prior experience working in the civic tech space
Experience working in a remote-team environment

Responsibilities

Protect sensitive data by applying security and privacy best practices
Conduct security audits and risk analyses
Plan and implement remediations
Conduct ongoing research to keep up with industry practices and new attack vectors
Select and use the right tools, frameworks, languages, and technologies for the job, with a preference for open-source solutions

Benefits

Medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
Life and AD&D insurance
Dependent care FSA, healthcare FSA, health savings account
Dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match up to 10% of your salary with no vesting period
Flexible paid time off policy (generally around 25 days per year), plus 11 paid federal holidays
Up to 12 weeks paid time off for all eligible new birth, adoption, or foster parents
Performance rewards, including annual salary increase, annual performance bonus, spot bonuses, and stock options
Business development / sales bonuses
Referral bonuses
Annual $2,000 allowance for professional development
Annual $750 allowance for tech-related purchases
Annual swag budget of $100 to display your Skylight pride with some merchandise (hoodies, hats, and more)
Dollar-for-dollar charity donation matching, up to $500 per year
Flexible, remote-friendly work environment
An environment that empowers you to unleash your superpowers for public good