The Role
Principal Cybersecurity Engineer supporting classified Navy communication systems. Responsibilities include penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, network traffic analysis, threat detection, system hardening, security architecture, and mitigation planning aligned with DoD standards. The role requires expertise in classified environments, air-gapped systems, data diodes, secure protocols, virtualization, scripting, PKI, and offensive security, along with an active Top Secret clearance and ability to obtain TS/SCI.
Summary Generated by Built In
SAIC is seeking a Principal Cybersecurity Engineer to support critical Navy communication systems within the DoD. This role is ideal for a hands-on security professional with deep engineering expertise, offensive security experience, and a proven track record finding vulnerabilities, and securing classified and high-security environments. You will serve as a key technical expert collaborating with engineers, program managers, and government personnel to deliver secure, resilient strategic systems.
This role is fully ON-SITE in San Diego, CA. Must be local to area. Up to 10% travel involved.
JOB DUTIES:
- Plan and execute penetration test exercises against systems, networks, and applications simulating real world environment.
- Perform network traffic analysis and threat detection using Wireshark and other offensive/defensive security tools
- Architect and harden IT systems, virtualized environments, and network security devices in classified settings
- Conduct vulnerability assessments and develop mitigation strategies aligned with DISA STIGs and DoD standards
- Documenting vulnerabilities, detailing risks, and provide recommendations and measures to improve security posture.
Keep up to date and report to government the latest exploits, hacking techniques, and security tools.
REQUIREMENTS:
Education and experience:
- Bachelors in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Engineering and nine (9) years or more experience; Years of experience in lieu of degree to be considered.
- 5-7 Years relevant hands on experience with Cybersecurity Engineering or related discipline
- 5+ years hands on designing, implementing, or supporting hardened IT systems in classified or high-security environments
- Proven penetration testing and/or red team experience against DoD/IC systems
- Demonstrated experience with air-gap architecture, data diodes, and secure offline transfer mechanisms
Clearance
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must have an Active Top Secret clearance to start
- Must be able to obtain a TS/SCI after start
Technical Skills:
- Deep knowledge of DoD/IC security frameworks (NIST RMF, DISA STIG, DoD CC SRG)
- Proficiency with network security devices (firewalls, IDS/IPS, routers, switches) and secure protocols (IPSec, TLS/DTLS, SSH, S/MIME)
- Network traffic analysis using Wireshark
- Strong scripting/programming skills (Python, Bash, PowerShell, C/C++)
- Experience with HSM, TPM, and PKI implementation
- Familiarity with virtualization/containers (VMware ESXi, Hyper-V, Docker) in hardened, secure contexts
DESIRED SKILLS:
- 10+ years supporting DoD/DoN Navy-focused programs
- Experience with NIWC Pacific or Navy organizations
- Familiarity with NIAP and Common Criteria technologies
- Strong communication skills for senior leadership and multidisciplinary team engagement
- Splunk Enterprise Security experience.
- Python, PowerShell, Bash, or other automation/programming experience.
- Experience with REST APIs and cybersecurity tool integrations.
Certifications
- SecurityX or CISSP certification, including candidates actively pursuing either certification.
- Certifications such as OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), or CISSP are highly valued.
- Offensive security certifications (OSCP, GPEN, or GWAPT)
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience in lieu of degree
- Nine or more years of relevant professional experience
- Five to seven years of hands-on cybersecurity engineering or related experience
- At least five years designing, implementing, or supporting hardened IT systems in classified or high-security environments
- Proven penetration testing or red-team experience against DoD or intelligence community systems
- Experience with air-gap architecture, data diodes, and secure offline transfer mechanisms
- U.S. citizenship
- Active Top Secret security clearance at start
- Ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance after starting
- Knowledge of NIST RMF, DISA STIG, and DoD CC SRG security frameworks
- Proficiency with network security devices and secure protocols
- Network traffic analysis experience using Wireshark
- Strong scripting or programming skills in Python, Bash, PowerShell, or C/C++
- Experience implementing HSM, TPM, and PKI technologies
- Experience with VMware ESXi, Hyper-V, or Docker in hardened environments
- SecurityX or CISSP certification, or active pursuit of either certification
- Ten or more years supporting DoD or Navy-focused programs
- Experience with NIWC Pacific or Navy organizations
- Familiarity with NIAP and Common Criteria technologies
- Splunk Enterprise Security experience
- Experience with REST APIs and cybersecurity tool integrations
- OSCP, CEH, GPEN, or GWAPT certification
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The Company
What We Do
Spectrum San Diego is a high tech security innovator, specializing in ultra-low-dose X-ray screening systems.
