SAIC

Principal Cyber Engineer

SAIC$130K — $155K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelors in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience.
  • 9+ years in Cybersecurity Engineering or a related discipline.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience with hardened IT systems in classified environments.
  • Proven experience in penetration testing and red team activities against DoD/IC systems.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of air-gap architecture and secure transfer mechanisms.

Responsibilities

  • Plan and execute red team exercises simulating advanced persistent threats.
  • Conduct network traffic analysis and threat detection with tools like Wireshark.
  • Design and maintain air-gap architectures and secure data transfer methods.
  • Architect and harden IT systems and network security devices in classified settings.
  • Perform vulnerability assessments aligned with DoD standards and develop mitigation strategies.
  • Manage enterprise PKI environments and implement access management solutions.
  • Identify process improvements for cybersecurity operations.

Benefits

  • Full-time, on-site position in San Diego, CA.
  • Collaborative environment working with government personnel and engineers.
  • Opportunity to influence cybersecurity strategies for critical Navy communication systems.
  • Engagement with cutting-edge technology and security frameworks.
  • Potential for professional growth within a top-tier defense contractor.
Full Job Description
Job Description

SAIC is seeking a Principal Cybersecurity Engineer to support critical Navy communication systems within the DoD. This role is ideal for a hands-on security professional with deep engineering expertise, offensive security experience, and a proven track record securing classified and high-security environments. Support enterprise Identity and Access Management (IAM), PKI, and Zero Trust initiatives. In this role, you will design, implement, automate, and maintain secure identity and cryptographic infrastructure solutions for large-scale enterprise environments. You will serve as a key technical expert collaborating with engineers, program managers, and government personnel to deliver secure, resilient systems for our nation's warfighters.

This role is fully ON-SITE in San Diego, CA. Must be local to area. Up to 10% travel involved.

JOB DUTIES:
  • Plan and execute penetration tests and red team exercises against classified systems, networks, and applications simulating advanced persistent threats (APT)
  • Perform network traffic analysis and threat detection using Wireshark and other offensive/defensive security tools
  • Design, implement, and maintain air-gap architectures, data diodes, and secure offline transfer mechanisms
  • Architect and harden IT systems, virtualized environments, and network security devices in classified settings
  • Conduct vulnerability assessments and develop mitigation strategies aligned with DISA STIGs and DoD standards
  • Design, implement, configure, and maintain enterprise PKI environments
  • Identify and implement process improvements for cybersecurity sustainment across the operational environment.


Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

Education and experience:
  • Bachelors in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Engineering and nine (9) years or more experience; Years of experience in lieu of degree to be considered.
  • 9+ Years in Cybersecurity Engineering or related discipline
  • 5+ years hands on designing, implementing, or supporting hardened IT systems in classified or high-security environments
  • Proven penetration testing and/or red team experience against DoD/IC systems
  • Demonstrated experience with air-gap architecture, data diodes, and secure offline transfer mechanisms
  • Experience working with Nutanix-based architecture

Clearance
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Must have an Active TS/SCI to start


Technical Skills:
  • Deep knowledge of DoD/IC security frameworks (NIST RMF, DISA STIG, DoD CC SRG)
  • Proficiency with network security devices (firewalls, IDS/IPS, routers, switches) and secure protocols (IPSec, TLS/DTLS, SSH, S/MIME)
  • Network traffic analysis using Wireshark
  • Strong scripting/programming skills (Python, Bash, PowerShell, C/C++)
  • Experience with HSM, TPM, and PKI implementation
  • Familiarity with virtualization/containers (VMware ESXi, Hyper-V, Docker) in hardened, secure contexts


Certifications
  • IAM Level II/III per DoD 8570.01-M (CISSP, CISM, or CAP)


DESIRED SKILLS:
  • Master's degree in Cybersecurity or related field
  • 9+ years supporting DoD/DoN Navy-focused programs
  • Experience with NIWC Pacific or Navy organizations
  • Familiarity with NIAP and Common Criteria technologies
  • Strong communication skills for senior leadership and multidisciplinary team engagement

Certifications
  • Offensive security certifications (OSCP, GPEN, or GWAPT)

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.
Learn more about SAIC
Size
26,000 employees
Market Cap
$6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$206 million
Founded
1969
5 Year Trend
+10.7%
Revenue
$6.8 billion
NASDAQ

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