Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline or equivalent experience (5+ years in COMSEC/network security)
3+ years of hands-on experience with cryptographic equipment and key management
Familiarity with HAIPE-compliant inline network encryptors and secure terminals
Strong foundation in IP networking, including routing and VPNs
Willingness to participate in on-call rotations and occasional travel
Responsibilities
Integrate HAIPE-compliant encryptors and secure voice systems into a global network
Develop and execute test plans for interoperability and failure-mode testing
Provide Tier II and III support for COMSEC incidents, including device faults and connectivity issues
Operate Key Management Infrastructure and manage key ordering and distribution
Deploy Over-the-Network Keying and manage cutover from courier distribution
Engineer cryptographic modernization and upgrades to existing systems
Document engineering processes and train junior engineers
Benefits
Opportunity to work on live cryptographic modernization projects
Pathway to advancement as a Senior COMSEC Engineer
Hands-on experience in a mission-critical environment
Exposure to cutting-edge cryptographic technologies
Collaboration with a diverse team supporting U.S. diplomatic communications
Full Job Description
Job Description
SAIC is hiring a COMSEC Engineer to support secure communications for U.S. diplomatic posts worldwide. You will engineer and integrate cryptographic systems, support the sustainment of a secure global network, prove new and emerging cryptographic solutions and enhancements to existing solutions can reach production ecosystems safely and without disruption to mission, and provide Tier II and Tier III engineering support as needed. A significant part of the role is key management: operating Key Management Infrastructure and deploying Over-the-Network Keying, which replaces courier-delivered key with secure network delivery to posts around the world.
This is a hands-on engineering position in a mission environment where the work is visible. When a post loses secure connectivity, you are who they reach.
What You Will Do
Integrate HAIPE-compliant inline network encryptors, secure voice systems, and CSfC solution components into a global enterprise network.
Build test plans and run interoperability, regression, and failure-mode testing, then make the go or no-go call with evidence behind it.
Provide Tier II and Tier III support for COMSEC incidents escalated from the service desk - device faults, keying failures, loss of secure connectivity - including an on-call rotation covering all time zones.
Operate KMI client nodes and Advanced Key Processors, and execute key ordering, distribution, accounting, and destruction under Two-Person Integrity.
Deploy Over-the-Network Keying: key wrapping and release infrastructure, site readiness, cutover from courier distribution, and scheduled, emergency, and on-demand rekey.
Engineer cryptographic modernization into the installed base, including HAIPE upgrades and the move toward CNSA 2.0 and post-quantum-ready algorithms.
Document what you build and train the custodians and junior operations engineers who will run it.
Why This Role
Cryptographic modernization at the Department is live work, not a roadmap item - post-quantum migration, network-delivered key, and a next-generation accountability platform are all in motion. You will be qualified across engineering, test, key management, and operations rather than siloed in one, with a defined path toward Senior COMSEC Engineer and engineering leadership.
Qualifications
Required Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in technical discipline and 5+ years of COMSEC or network security related experience; 4+ additional years of relevant experience may substitute for the degree.
3+ years of hands-on COMSEC or cryptographic related work - cryptographic equipment, keying material handling, and accountability within a COMSEC account.
Working knowledge of HAIPE-compliant INEs, secure terminals, and fill devices.
A real IP networking foundation - routing, VPN and tunneling, firewalls, and the ability to read a packet capture and reason from it.
Willingness to take on-call rotation, support maintenance windows, and travel occasionally in support of post deployments.
Required Clearance:
U.S. citizenship
Active TOP SECRET clearance with SCI eligibility, and the ability to obtain cryptographic access authorization.
Nice to Have
NSA or Service COMSEC training, or prior service as a COMSEC Custodian or Alternate.
Hands-on experience deploying over-the-network or electronic key distribution.
CSfC engineering experience, including the dual-layer encryption model.
Department of State or other Federal overseas post experience.
CISSP, CASP+, or vendor engineering certification on a deployed INE or network platform.
ServiceNow ITSM and CMDB.
About SAIC
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is a technology integrator in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC has approximately 26,000 employees and operates in more than 70 countries. The company was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. SAIC provides services to the U.S. government, including the Department of Defense, the intelligence community, and civilian agencies. The company also serves commercial customers in the healthcare, energy, and financial services sectors.
