The RoleAs K2's COMSEC Certification Lead, reporting to the VP of National Security, you will own the path to NSA certification and accreditation for our Type-1 cryptographic systems across the spacecraft and ground segment. You'll be K2's primary interface to NSA, certification authorities, and government customers. You'll drive the certification effort from requirements through approval to operate, and you'll build the COMSEC processes that carry our fleet into on-orbit operations. You'll work hand-in-hand with our Principal Crypto Engineer on the Satellite Engineering team, translating NSA requirements into engineering tasks and making sure the design meets the bar for national-security missions. This is a foundational role: you'll build the certification playbook K2 scales across every satellite we produce.
Responsibilities - Serve as K2's primary interface to NSA, certification authorities, and government customers on cryptographic certification and accreditation
- Own the certification and accreditation effort end to end, including planning, schedule, and delivery of artifacts, test evidence, and documentation
- Translate NSA and customer security requirements into clear, actionable requirements for engineering teams
- Achieve and maintain approval to operate across K2's spacecraft and ground systems
- Establish and manage COMSEC handling, accounting, and key management planning
- Develop operational procedures for COMSEC on on-orbit fleet operations
- Identify and mitigate supply-chain compliance risks across design and production
- Build repeatable certification processes that scale across K2's satellite production line
Qualifications - Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, computer science, or a related technical discipline
- 5+ years of experience in COMSEC, information assurance, or cryptographic certification
- Direct experience taking a system through NSA Type-1 certification and accreditation to operational use
- Working knowledge of COMSEC handling, accounting, and key management requirements
- Proven ability to manage relationships with NSA, government customers, and certification authorities
- Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage complex documentation and schedules
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere with competing priorities and aggressive schedules
Nice to Have - Experience certifying spacecraft, satellite, or other space-system cryptographic integrations
- Experience with RMF/ATO, JSIG, or other accreditation frameworks
- Experience as a COMSEC Custodian or managing a COMSEC account
- Familiarity with cryptographic modernization initiatives and current NSA-approved algorithms and equipment
- Experience supporting on-orbit or fielded operations
Additional Requirements - Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
- Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance required; ability to obtain and maintain access to additional programs as needed
- Ability to work irregular business hours to support critical project timelines or operations
Compensation and Benefits: - Base salary range for this role is $140,000 - $200,000 + equity in the company.
- Salary will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level.
- Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks .
If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!
