K2 Space
Principal Crypto Engineer (TS//SCI)
$160K–$245K
Los Angeles, CA +1 · Principal · Full-time · Posted Oct 20, 2026
- Location
- Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles - Experience
- 5+ years of engineering experience designing or integrating cryptographic systems or secure communications.
- Education
- Bachelor's degree or higher in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related discipline.
- Visa sponsorship
- 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 job
Owns the architecture and integration of Type-1 cryptographic systems across K2’s spacecraft, payload, and ground segment, from design through testing and certification support.
What you'll do
- Design encryption, key management, and key-loading implementations for command, telemetry, and mission data.
- Integrate cryptographic functions with flight software, avionics, FPGA, RF, and ground systems; define their interfaces.
- Develop reusable crypto designs and certification documentation, and help troubleshoot fielded and on-orbit systems.
What they ask for
- Bachelor's degree or higher in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related discipline.
- Hands-on experience integrating NSA Type-1 cryptographic equipment into a hardware or software system.
- Working knowledge of key management and key-loading implementations.
- Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance; ability to obtain and maintain access to additional programs as needed.
Nice to have
- Experience with spacecraft, satellite, or other space-system cryptographic integrations.
- Experience with embedded systems, FPGA design, or flight software.
Pay
$160,000 - $245,000 USD base salary
Tools
Type-1 cryptographic equipment, FPGA, flight software, RF
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative