K2 Space

Principal Crypto Engineer (TS//SCI)

Los Angeles, CA · Principal

No sponsorship$160k-$245kDetected 21 days ago

TypeScriptAlgorithmsRESTAvionicsElectrical EngineeringCommunication

About the role

As K2's Crypto Engineer, you will own the architecture and design of our Type-1 cryptographic integrations across the spacecraft and ground segment.
You will carry these designs cradle-to-grave - from concept and trade studies, through implementation and integration, to NSA certification and accreditation, and into on-orbit operations.
You'll define how K2's satellites protect command, telemetry, and mission data; partner with NSA, government customers, and certification authorities; and ensure our COMSEC architecture meets the bar for national-security missions while fitting the pace and scale of a high-volume satellite production line.

Own the end-to-end architecture and design of Type-1 cryptographic integrations across the spacecraft, payload, and ground segment
Lead crypto designs from concept and trade studies through implementation, integration, certification, and on-orbit operations
Partner with flight software, avionics, RF, ground, and security teams to integrate cryptographic functions into the broader system architecture
Support COMSEC handling, key management planning, and operational procedures for on-orbit fleet operations
Identify and mitigate cryptographic and supply-chain risks across design and production

Bachelor's degree or higher in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related discipline
5+ years of engineering experience with cryptographic systems, COMSEC, or secure communications
Direct experience with NSA Type-1 cryptographic equipment, integration, and certification processes
Working knowledge of key management, key loading, and COMSEC handling requirements
Strong systems-level thinking with the ability to reason from first principles across hardware, software, and RF boundaries
Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere with competing priorities and aggressive schedules
Drive the certification and accreditation effort, developing the artifacts, test evidence, and documentation required to achieve and maintain approval to operate
Experience taking a hardware or system design through certification and accreditation to operational use

Experience with spacecraft, satellite, or other space-system cryptographic integrations
Familiarity with cryptographic modernization initiatives and current NSA-approved algorithms and equipment
Experience with RMF/ATO, JSIG, or other accreditation frameworks
Experience supporting on-orbit or fielded operations
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance required
This role requires access to information controlled under ITAR/EAR
applicants must be a U.S. Person as defined by applicable regulations

Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

Serve as K2's primary technical interface to NSA, certification authorities, and government customers on cryptographic certification and accreditation

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer
employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation
K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation

This role requires access to information controlled under ITAR/EAR; applicants must be a U.S. Person as defined by applicable regulations

This listing is sourced directly from K2 Space's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.