Principal Crypto Engineer (TS//SCI)

The role

You will own the technical architecture and design of Type-1 cryptographic integrations across the spacecraft, payload, and ground segment. You will lead designs from concept through implementation, integration, and test to protect command, telemetry, and mission data.

What you will do

• Own the end-to-end technical architecture of Type-1 cryptographic integrations across the spacecraft, payload, and ground segment
• Lead crypto designs from concept and trade studies through implementation, integration, and test
• Design encryption, key management, and key loading implementations for command, telemetry, and mission data
• Integrate cryptographic functions into flight software, avionics, FPGA, RF, and ground systems
• Define hardware and software interfaces between crypto equipment and the broader system architecture
• Produce the design documentation and test evidence needed to support certification
• Identify and mitigate cryptographic design risks across hardware, software, and RF boundaries
• Establish reusable cryptographic designs, interfaces, and standards
• Support anomaly resolution and troubleshooting for fielded and on-orbit crypto systems

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related discipline
• 5+ years of engineering experience designing or integrating cryptographic systems or secure communications
• Hands-on experience integrating NSA Type-1 cryptographic equipment into a hardware or software system
• Working knowledge of key management and key loading implementations
• Strong systems-level thinking
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere
• Ability to travel up to 15% 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

Nice to have

• Experience with spacecraft, satellite, or other space-system cryptographic integrations
• Experience with embedded systems, FPGA design, or flight software
• Familiarity with cryptographic modernization initiatives and current NSA-approved algorithms and equipment
• Background in RF, link design, or secure command and telemetry systems
• Exposure to NSA certification processes

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Medical/dental/vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave

Before you apply

• Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance required
• Must be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license

About the company

K2 is building high-power satellite platforms for missions from LEO to deep space. The company is a high-growth Series D-funded company with over $1 billion in signed contracts.