Principal Crypto Engineer

Requirements:

• Bachelors degree or higher in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related field
• At least 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
• Experience taking a hardware or system design through certification and accreditation into operational use
• Strong systems-level thinking and ability to reason across hardware, software, and RF boundaries
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced, demanding startup environment with competing priorities and aggressive schedules
• Ability to travel up to 25% and work irregular business hours when needed for critical timelines or operations
• Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance, with ability to obtain and maintain access to additional programs as needed
• Must meet applicable export-control requirements for access to ITAR/EAR-controlled information: be a U.S. Person or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export-control license
• Preferred: experience with spacecraft, satellite, or other space-system cryptographic integrations
• Preferred: familiarity with cryptographic modernization initiatives and current NSA-approved algorithms and equipment
• Preferred: experience with RMF/ATO, JSIG, or other accreditation frameworks
• Preferred: background in RF, link design, or secure command and telemetry systems
• Preferred: experience supporting on-orbit or fielded operations

Responsibilities:

• Own the end-to-end architecture and design of Type-1 cryptographic integrations across spacecraft, payload, and ground segments
• Lead cryptographic designs from concept and trade studies through implementation, integration, certification, and on-orbit operations
• Define COMSEC architecture to protect command, telemetry, and mission data, including encryption, key management, and key-loading approaches
• Act as our primary technical interface with the NSA, certification authorities, and government customers on cryptographic certification and accreditation
• Drive certification and accreditation efforts, preparing the artifacts, test evidence, and documentation needed to obtain and maintain approval to operate
• Work 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
• Establish reusable cryptographic standards, interfaces, and processes that can scale across our satellite production line

Technologies:

• Hardware
• Support
• Security
• K2
• REST

More

K2 Space is building high-power satellites designed for missions from low Earth orbit to deep space. Backed by more than $1 billion in funding and with over $1 billion in signed commercial and U.S. government contracts, we are mass-producing satellite platforms built to take advantage of heavy-lift launch vehicles. With multiple launches planned for 2027 and an ambition to scale to 100 satellites annually, we are growing as a Series D-funded company. In this foundational role, you will shape the cryptographic standards used across our program and help protect national-security missions. The base salary range is $160,000–$245,000, plus company equity; compensation depends on factors including skills, education, and experience. We offer paid time off, medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and other benefits. We encourage applications from candidates whose career paths are not traditional, even if they do not meet every preferred qualification. We provide reasonable accommodations during the application and interview process and are an equal opportunity employer.

last updated 43 week of 2026