Cryptography and Nuclear Codes Engineer, Lead

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The Cryptography, ICAM, and System Assurance department is comprised of an inspired multi-disciplinary team of researchers and practitioners driving innovation in the department’s technical areas of focus, with particular emphasis in Cryptography; System Assurance; and Identity, Credential and Access Management (ICAM). We develop and apply scalable approaches for systems and software, evaluate technology and solutions, lead and foster external partnerships within the communities we support, and conduct novel research and development. We serve in critical roles including:

• Aiding the Federal Government as a community in architecting and applying modern cryptography and PQC technologies to secure systems, software, and protocols.
• Developing strategies, assessing policy and technical constraints, and facilitating the deployment of cryptography solutions into cloud, hybrid, and on-premises infrastructures for enterprise and tactical environments. As senior trusted advisors and leaders within the cryptography and PQC community internally and external to MITRE, we apply our knowledge of industry trends, advances in commercial technology, and relevant industry standards and protocols to inform our sponsors’ decision-making.
• Performing research and development, evaluation and testing and operational support for high-priority sponsor mission applications, MITRE Labs strategic initiatives, and MITRE’s internal research and development program.

MITRE’s Cryptography, ICAM, and System Assurance 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.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• 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.

This position is located with the Sponsor at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The position could potentially be filled by a candidate located in Bedford, MA, McLean, VA, or San Antonio, TX, which would require additional travel to Hill AFB, UT.

Basic Qualifications:

• Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years’ experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• 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.
• Must have an active Secret U.S Government issued Security Clearance. Per the U.S. Government’s eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
• This position has an on-site requirement of 5 days a week on-site.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):

Secret

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):

Secret

Salary compensation range and midpoint:

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

Work Location Type:

Onsite

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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