SAIC · El Segundo, CA, US, US
SAIC is seeking a motivated and experienced Cryptography Subject Matter Expert to join our team in El Segundo, CA. You will provide technical expertise in the development, integration, and delivery of both space and ground cryptographic units for the United States Space Force’s Space Systems Command. This role requires deep knowledge of crypto, cybersecurity, and systems engineering to ensure mission-critical secure communications.
About the Role
As a Cryptography Subject Matter Expert, you will lead spacecraft cryptographic unit trade studies, evaluate candidate solutions against requirements, and deliver data-driven recommendations to program leadership. You will oversee the technical design, interface definition, development, and delivery of encryption units, ensuring compatibility with subsystems and compliance with mission, cybersecurity, and interface standards.
What You Will Do
Lead spacecraft cryptographic unit trade studies and deliver clear, data-driven recommendations.
Oversee technical design, interface definition, development, and delivery of encryption units.
Manage testing activities including dry runs and SVT, ensuring successful completion of verification and validation campaigns.
Support and oversee Protected Key Management Architecture (PKMA) including secure key management processes.
Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with government customers, contractors, subcontractors, and FFRDC partners.
Lead and mentor engineers (junior to mid-level) including task assignment, technical reviews, and professional development.
Oversee crypto lifecycle management and manage technical scope, priorities, and dependencies.
Establish and enforce cryptographic standards and best practices across programs and platforms.
What We Are Looking For
An active TS/SCI clearance is required.
Bachelor’s degree in a technical field.
15+ years’ experience in systems engineering including crypto, cybersecurity, requirements development, verification, integration, and test.
10+ years’ experience in crypto, NSA certification processes, and Key Management processes.
5+ years’ experience in military or DoD or Intelligence Community space and ground.
Proficient in Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills; able to author final-version deliverable technical documents and reports.
Nice to Have
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, information systems, IT, or computer science.
Master’s degree.
Familiarity with Jira and Confluence.
Experience with NSA’s Key Management Infrastructure (KMI).
Experience with HAIPEs and cross-domain solutions (CDS).
Certifications such as CISSP, SANS, CEH, INCOSE CSEP or ESEP, OCSMP (MBSE).
This is a full-time, onsite role requiring an active TS/SCI clearance and 15+ years of systems engineering experience with a focus on crypto and cybersecurity. Your work will directly support the United States Space Force’s mission to provide global, secure, survivable, and protected communications for warfighters. Apply today to join a mission-critical team shaping the future of secure satellite communications.