Job Requirements
Pentagon, DC
Top Secret/SCI Polygraph not specified
Career Level not specified
$130,000 - $140,000
Job Description
Job Title: Communications Security (COMSEC) Specialist / Senior Cybersecurity Cryptography Analyst
Location: Washington, DC (On-site, Pentagon area)
Work Schedule: 5 days per week in-office
Compensation: Target salary range $130,000–$140,000
Employment Type: Full-time (hire contingent upon final client approval)
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Communications Security (COMSEC) and Cryptography Specialist to support a high-visibility federal program operating within a secure government environment. This role focuses on safeguarding sensitive communications systems, supporting cryptographic operations, and advising leadership on evolving security technologies and risks.
The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in secure communications, strong understanding of cryptographic principles, and the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable insights for both technical and executive audiences. This individual will work closely with senior stakeholders to ensure mission systems remain secure, resilient, and aligned with emerging standards.
Key Responsibilities
Support and maintain secure communications systems and processes, ensuring compliance with federal security standards
Manage and assist with COMSEC-related activities, including safeguarding materials, system integrity, and operational readiness
Provide subject matter expertise in cryptography and key management practices, including lifecycle management of encryption keys
Assess and support the integration of emerging cryptographic technologies, including those related to post-quantum capabilities
Analyze system risks and provide recommendations to enhance security posture and communication resilience
Collaborate with internal teams and stakeholders to ensure adherence to established security policies and procedures
Prepare and deliver clear, concise briefings, reports, and visual presentations for senior leadership and military stakeholders
Support coordination and tracking of tasks, actions, and deliverables within structured government workflows
Provide technical input to support decision-making, planning, and program execution
Required Qualifications
Active Top Secret / SCI (TS/SCI) clearance required
Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a related field
OR
Equivalent professional experience (minimum 14 years in IT or cybersecurity without a degree)
Minimum of 10+ years of experience in IT, cybersecurity, or a related technical discipline
Experience working with secure communication technologies and/or communication security systems (COMSEC)
Strong understanding of cryptographic concepts, including encryption methods, key management, and system security principles
Familiarity with emerging areas such as post-quantum cryptography
Proven ability to communicate effectively with senior government officials, executive leadership, and military personnel
Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to develop reports, dashboards, and technical briefings
Preferred Qualifications
Experience specifically supporting cryptographic systems within key management environments
Additional exposure to or working knowledge of post-quantum computing and next-generation encryption approaches
Experience tracking and managing tasks or deliverables within standardized government systems or workflows
Industry certifications such as CISSP or equivalent cybersecurity credentials
Clearance Requirements
Candidates must possess an active TS/SCI clearance at the time of submission. Selection may require additional security review or investigation to maintain eligibility for access to classified information.
Work Environment
Fully on-site role within a secure government facility
Collaborative environment supporting senior leadership and mission-critical operations
Opportunity to work on emerging technologies with long-term national security impact
Location: Washington, DC (On-site, Pentagon area)
Work Schedule: 5 days per week in-office
Compensation: Target salary range $130,000–$140,000
Employment Type: Full-time (hire contingent upon final client approval)
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Communications Security (COMSEC) and Cryptography Specialist to support a high-visibility federal program operating within a secure government environment. This role focuses on safeguarding sensitive communications systems, supporting cryptographic operations, and advising leadership on evolving security technologies and risks.
The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in secure communications, strong understanding of cryptographic principles, and the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable insights for both technical and executive audiences. This individual will work closely with senior stakeholders to ensure mission systems remain secure, resilient, and aligned with emerging standards.
Key Responsibilities
Support and maintain secure communications systems and processes, ensuring compliance with federal security standards
Manage and assist with COMSEC-related activities, including safeguarding materials, system integrity, and operational readiness
Provide subject matter expertise in cryptography and key management practices, including lifecycle management of encryption keys
Assess and support the integration of emerging cryptographic technologies, including those related to post-quantum capabilities
Analyze system risks and provide recommendations to enhance security posture and communication resilience
Collaborate with internal teams and stakeholders to ensure adherence to established security policies and procedures
Prepare and deliver clear, concise briefings, reports, and visual presentations for senior leadership and military stakeholders
Support coordination and tracking of tasks, actions, and deliverables within structured government workflows
Provide technical input to support decision-making, planning, and program execution
Required Qualifications
Active Top Secret / SCI (TS/SCI) clearance required
Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a related field
OR
Equivalent professional experience (minimum 14 years in IT or cybersecurity without a degree)
Minimum of 10+ years of experience in IT, cybersecurity, or a related technical discipline
Experience working with secure communication technologies and/or communication security systems (COMSEC)
Strong understanding of cryptographic concepts, including encryption methods, key management, and system security principles
Familiarity with emerging areas such as post-quantum cryptography
Proven ability to communicate effectively with senior government officials, executive leadership, and military personnel
Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to develop reports, dashboards, and technical briefings
Preferred Qualifications
Experience specifically supporting cryptographic systems within key management environments
Additional exposure to or working knowledge of post-quantum computing and next-generation encryption approaches
Experience tracking and managing tasks or deliverables within standardized government systems or workflows
Industry certifications such as CISSP or equivalent cybersecurity credentials
Clearance Requirements
Candidates must possess an active TS/SCI clearance at the time of submission. Selection may require additional security review or investigation to maintain eligibility for access to classified information.
Work Environment
Fully on-site role within a secure government facility
Collaborative environment supporting senior leadership and mission-critical operations
Opportunity to work on emerging technologies with long-term national security impact
group id: kforcecx
We offer roles across all three clearance levels: Confidential, Secret and Top Secret. With a Top Secret Facilities clearance, a proven subcontractor track record and a deep understanding of agencies across Defense, Intelligence, Homeland, Justice and Federal Civilian Sectors, Kforce brings more than 20 years of experience to supporting critical missions at federal, state and local levels.
