Crypto Requirements Analyst - Cyber Capability Center - TS​/SCI​/SAP Eligibility

Applied Research Solutions is seeking a full-time Crypto Requirements Analyst located in Scott AFB, IL to support the Headquarters Cyber Capability Center (HQ CCC). The HQ CCC is charged with identifying cryptographic capability gaps across all operational domains—space, air, cyber, and ground—and with advancing Air Force (AF) Cryptographic Modernization (CM) initiatives and their associated ground, air, space, and weapons/munitions mission directives.

• Conduct analysis and develop recommendations, with Government oversight and approval, regarding the requirements of mission critical tactical systems that are employed on a wide range of air and ground-based systems. Systems covered will include all current airborne platforms (e.g. F-15, F-22, F-35, KC-46, C-17, VC-25, MQ-9, WASP, etc.) and may include planned/future airborne platforms;
  It also covers all ground communications system such as Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), Theater Deployed Communication (TDC), Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS); and crypto capable radios, including Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS), PRC-117, Land Mobile Radio (LMR) devices, etc.
• Provide HQ CCC with research analysis, and recommendations to mitigate the vulnerabilities documented as capability gaps in Task 2 (and from other sources outside the contractor). Contractor’s research shall be guided by directives from higher headquarters, the NSA, and other agencies involved in cryptographic management or COMSEC.
• Research and analyze capability gaps (e.g., bandwidth, size, weight and power {SWaP}, net readiness, and any other gap identified by the warfighter) by interacting with the user community through interviews, site visits, and analysis of previous studies (if another Agency or Service conducted a related study).
• Conduct document reviews (e.g., Capability Based Assessment (CBA), Initial Capability Document (ICD), Technology Readiness reports, and threat assessments) to map overarching requirements to the capability gap.
• Analyze the validated capability gaps and recommend requirements that may be used to develop or obtain a material solution.
• Perform gap analysis through methods such as a Study Plan, Study Guidance, and Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), to analyze and evaluate potential solutions to fulfill the requirement(s) or eliminate the capability gap(s).
• Recommend the alternative(s) that will result in the most timely and effective elimination of the stated vulnerability and improve the deployed warfighters’ cryptographic capability.
• Document results in a Requirements Strategy Review (RSR), Solution Pathway Review (SPR), or AF Requirements Review Group (AFRRG) briefing. The Contractor shall incorporate Air Force leadership recommendations into the Capabilities Development Document (CDD) or selected pathway Requirements Document.
• Analyze previous projects under the Algorithm Transition efforts and those that are entering into a new phase.
• Analyze potential modifications and alternative solutions, and recommend, either written or verbal as requested by the Government, a way to address capability gaps as well as a fielding plan to mitigate all cryptographic gaps identified.
• Other duties as assigned in the detailed description under Responsibilities.

• TS Clearance with SCI/SAP Eligibility.
• Must be US Citizen.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Communication Security (COMSEC) principles, encompassing the entire lifecycle management of cryptographic equipment, from development and fielding to sustainment.
• Possesses a minimum of two years of hands‑on experience in cryptographic key management, including ordering, generation, distribution, and destruction, utilizing systems such as the Key Management Infrastructure (KMI).
• Exhibits a comprehensive understanding of the strategic roles and operational responsibilities of Controlling Authorities and COMSEC account management.
• In-depth knowledge and experience with strategic level NSA, DoD, and DAF security policies and procedures as they pertain to cryptographic and keying material, associated classification guides pertaining to cryptographic algorithms,…