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Principal Crypto Engineer (TS//SCI)

K2 Space· Product Engineering
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Los Angeles, CA$160k - $245kfull-timePosted 4d ago

About the role

K2 Space is seeking a Principal Crypto Engineer to own the architecture and design of Type-1 cryptographic integrations across spacecraft, payload, and ground segments, leading designs from concept through integration and test, and setting cryptographic design standards for a high-volume satellite production program.

Responsibilities

  • Own the end-to-end technical architecture of Type-1 cryptographic integrations across the spacecraft, payload, and ground segment
  • Lead crypto designs from concept and trade studies through implementation, integration, and test
  • Design encryption, key management, and key loading implementations for command, telemetry, and mission data
  • Integrate cryptographic functions into flight software, avionics, FPGA, RF, and ground systems in partnership with those teams
  • Define hardware and software interfaces between crypto equipment and the broader system architecture
  • Produce the design documentation and test evidence needed to support certification, working closely with K2’s COMSEC Certification lead
  • Identify and mitigate cryptographic design risks across hardware, software, and RF boundaries
  • Establish reusable cryptographic designs, interfaces, and standards that scale across K2's production line
  • Support anomaly resolution and troubleshooting for fielded and on-orbit crypto systems

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related discipline
  • 5+ years of engineering experience designing or integrating cryptographic systems or secure communications
  • Hands-on experience integrating NSA Type-1 cryptographic equipment into a hardware or software system
  • Working knowledge of key management and key loading implementations
  • Strong systems-level thinking, with the ability to reason from first principles across hardware, software, and RF boundaries
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere with competing priorities and aggressive schedules

Skills

Required:Type-1 cryptographic integrationsKey management and key loadingFlight software integrationSystems thinking

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks
Last updated Oct 21, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About K2 Space

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Building the largest satellites in orbit. Ultra-powerful, scalable platforms engineered for LEO–cislunar missions. Explore the next-generation of satellites.

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