Cryptographic Systems Engineer at umbra-1

Compensation

$190,000 – $220,000/yr

Location: Arlington, Virginia
Type: Full-time
Level: not_specified
Posted: Jul 21, 2026

Description

Umbra, an American space technology company specializing in remote sensing and spacecraft operations, seeks a Cryptographic Systems Engineer. This role involves owning the architecture, integration, and lifecycle management of Type 1 cryptographic capabilities across various space and ground systems. The engineer will lead secure communication architectures, working closely with mission systems, spacecraft, ground software, government customers, and the National Security Agency, to protect sensitive data for national security missions.

Required Skills

Cryptographic Systems
COMSEC
Secure Communications
Key Management
Key Loading
Systems-Level Thinking

Additional Information

Required Previous Experiences: 8+ 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.
Experience taking a hardware or system design through certification and accreditation to operational use.
Preferred Qualifications: 12+ years of engineering experience with cryptographic systems, COMSEC, or secure communications.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere with competing priorities and aggressive schedules.
Experience with spacecraft, satellite, or other space-system cryptographic integrations.
Experience supporting ISR, SAR, or other space-based intelligence collection missions.
Familiarity with cryptographic modernization initiatives and current NSA-approved algorithms and equipment.
Background in RF, link design, or secure command and telemetry systems.
Experience supporting on-orbit or fielded operations.
Knowledge of satellite mission operations, TT&C systems, mission planning, or ground data processing architectures.
Experience supporting U.S. Government, DoD, Intelligence Community, or NRO space programs.