Nuclear Codes and Crypto Engineer, Lead

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MITRE's Nuclear Weapon Systems and C2 Platforms Department is seeking an engineer with expertise in Nuclear Codes and Cryptography to join a team focused on building security into the acquisition of a modern nuclear weapon system. The selected candidate will contribute to advancing and providing cutting edge systems and resiliency engineering services for an Air Force Weapons System Program Office at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

• Conduct engineering analysis of contractor's proposed design the following technical / cyber areas: cybersecurity; nuclear command & control (NC2) cryptography; nuclear codes and critical signals; government and commercial cryptographic solutions, algorithms, and lifecycle support; COMSEC and key management; vulnerability analysis and mitigation development; post-quantum cryptography; and digital engineering.
• Evaluate and validate prime contractor's design for the sufficiency of NC2, non-NC2, and commercial cryptographic capabilities including hardware and software, algorithm selection, and key, nuclear code and certificate management to meet weapon system requirements and national, DoW, 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 and present to senior Air Force leaders.
• Research cutting-edge technical capabilities and processes for understanding, assessing, and analyzing systems and technology resilience and security.
• Develop cryptographic roadmaps, modernization strategies and integration plans for the use of cryptography in an Air Force weapon system and be interoperable with STRATCOM nuclear keys & codes distribution methods.

• Typically requires a minimum, of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity, or related discipline; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or PhD with 3 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Familiarity with National Security System (NSS) cryptography and cybersecurity requirements.
• Demonstrated success in applying cybersecurity knowledge to conduct systems engineering analysis.
• Ability to clearly summarize technical concepts and research results verbally and in writings/presentations.
• Ability to work as part of a Government, FFRDC/UARC, and Contractor team to solve challenging technical problems.
• Must be a self-starter with creative thinking and problem-solving capabilities, able to function within an ambiguous and dynamic environment with minimal supervision.
• This position has an on-site requirement of 5 days a week on-site.

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

Secret


Top Secret


$158,800 - $198,500 - $238,200 Annual


Onsite

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