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Communication Security Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Communication Security Operations Lead

Springfield, VA · On-site

$159K/yr

ORA_HYBRID Description The Communication Security Operations Lead provides operational execution, and technical leadership for Department of State's (DOS) Communication Security Division's Operations ...

SAIC

Communication Security Lead Architect

Springfield, VA · On-site

$57.75 - $79/hr

ORA_HYBRID Description The Communication Security Lead Architect provides strategic direction, technical leadership, and operational execution for the department of State's (DOS) high-assurance ...

Augustine Consulting, Inc.

Communication Security (COMSEC) * Special Access Program (SAP) security. * A working knowledge of the Defense Information System for Security (DISS) * Demonstrated knowledge with Microsoft Office ...

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Communication Security information

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How much do communication security jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for communication security in the United States is $43,963.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $47,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Communication Security vs Network Security?

AspectCommunication SecurityNetwork Security
Primary FocusProtecting data in transit and communication channelsProtecting entire network infrastructure and data at rest
Common CertificationsCISSP, CompTIA Security+CISSP, Cisco CCNA Security
Work EnvironmentTelecommunications, secure communication systemsIT networks, data centers, enterprise networks
Industry UsageTelecom, government, defenseIT, finance, healthcare

Communication Security specialists focus on safeguarding data during transmission, ensuring secure communication channels. Network Security professionals protect entire network systems from threats, including firewalls and intrusion detection. While both roles overlap in security principles, Communication Security emphasizes secure communication protocols, whereas Network Security covers broader infrastructure protection.

What is communication security?

Communication security, often abbreviated as COMSEC, refers to the measures and controls taken to protect information as it is transmitted or communicated from one place to another. This includes safeguarding data from interception, unauthorized access, or tampering during transmission. Professionals in this field work with encryption, secure protocols, and security policies to ensure that sensitive information remains confidential and intact. Communication security is vital in both civilian and military contexts, helping to prevent data breaches and maintain operational security.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Communication Security, and why are they important?

To thrive in Communication Security, you need a strong understanding of encryption, network security, and risk assessment, typically supported by a degree in cybersecurity or information technology. Familiarity with security protocols, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and certifications like CISSP or CompTIA Security+ is highly valuable. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate complex security concepts clearly are essential soft skills. These abilities are crucial to protect sensitive data, respond to threats effectively, and ensure the integrity of organizational communications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Communication Security roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Communication Security often face challenges such as staying ahead of rapidly evolving cyber threats, ensuring compliance with strict security protocols, and balancing security needs with user convenience. To address these challenges, it's important to engage in continuous learning, collaborate closely with IT and network teams, and stay updated on the latest security technologies and best practices. Establishing clear communication channels and regular training helps ensure everyone is aware of security policies and procedures, fostering a proactive security culture within the organization.
More about Communication Security jobs
What states have the most Communication Security jobs? States with the most job openings for Communication Security jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Communication Security jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Communication Security jobs are:
Communication Security jobs near you
Infographic showing various Communication Security job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,963 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Communication Security Operations Lead

Communication Security Operations Lead

Science Applications International Corporation

Springfield, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 213 rated it services

Job description


The Communication Security Operations Lead provides operational execution, and technical leadership for Department of State's (DOS) Communication Security Division's Operations support team. This team is responsible for providing operational support to the custodians of the department's high-assurance Communications Security (COMSEC) infrastructure.
One of the key responsibilities for this pivotal role is the transformation of the current legacy 24/7 network and COMSEC monitoring practice into a modern, proactive practice built around automation, intelligent alerting, real-time dashboards, and reduced operational toil.
This position oversees a multidisciplinary team-including network and systems engineers, security analysts, COMSEC auditors, logistics specialists, and data engineers-ensuring the delivery of robust, compliant, and software-driven cryptographic solutions.
The scope encompasses the entire high-assurance ecosystem lifecycle (KMI and INE solutions, secure warehouse logistics) with a heavy focus on spearheading the adoption of Over-the-Network Keying (OTNK), transitioning to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) solutions, and deploying next-generation High-Assurance Inline Network Encryption (HAIPE) and Next Generation Load Devices (NGLD).
Key Responsibilities:
Operations Modernization & Team Leadership
  • Transformational Leadership: Manage, mentor, and upskill a large team of KMI professionals, engineers, analysts, and logistics personnel, transitioning them from manual, reactive monitoring to automated, proactive engineering practices.
  • Reduction of Toil: Eliminate "staring at monitors" by designing and implementing automated workflows, centralized health dashboards, and high-fidelity, actionable alerting frameworks.
  • Resource Integration: Align staffing and skills across distinct engineering, daily cryptographic operations, and compliance workstreams to support a modernized infrastructure.
  • Culture of Innovation: Foster continuous training on emerging cryptographic standards, Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), and automated configuration management.

Advanced Cryptographic Engineering & PQC Adoption
  • Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Transition: Support cryptographic asset discovery, and implementation of PQC algorithms adoption strategies in alignment with CNSA 2.0.
  • Crypto-Agility Engineering: Support the implementation of crypto-agile frameworks capable of seamlessly ingesting new cryptographic algorithms via software updates, minimizing the need for physical hardware replacement.
  • Solutions Development: Support the testing and deployment of secure enterprise and tactical cryptographic solutions & CSfC approved solutions optimized for modern network architectures.

Next-Gen Infrastructure & OTNK Deployment
  • OTNK Scaling: lead and support operational tasks associated with the overhauling of current key management practice by scaling Over-the-Network Keying (OTNK) protocols, drastically reducing manual touchpoints and legacy physical key delivery.
  • Next-Gen HAIPE Deployment: Lead the technical evaluation, laboratory benchmarking, and phased rollout of next-generation HAIPE devices, ensuring multi-enclave throughput, backward compatibility, and adherence to national security validation standards.
  • Modern Load Infrastructure: Oversee the strategic transition from legacy fill devices to modern Next Generation Load Device (NGLD) platforms, integrating seamlessly with contemporary Key Management Infrastructure (KMI).

Automated Vulnerability Management & Secure Logistics
  • Automated Patching & Vulnerability Management: Direct rigorous testing, scheduling, and automated deployment of firmware modifications, software patches, and security configurations across all high-assurance assets.

Qualifications
Required Education & Experience:
  • Bachelors in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience; may accept additional experience in lieu of degree.

Required Technical Competencies:
  • Modernization & Automation Frameworks: Proven experience transforming legacy 24/7 operations teams using automation tools, monitoring/alerting platforms, and real-time dashboarding (e.g., modern SIEM, telemetry dashboards, infrastructure-as-code).
  • Next-Gen Cryptography & Standards: Deep understanding of PQC adoption, crypto-agility, OTNK, Key Management Infrastructure (KMI), and type-1 encryption devices (e.g., TACLANE, SKL, KGV platforms).
  • Compliance Alignment: Documented experience aligning enterprise technology with National Security Agency (NSA) Commercial National Security Algorithm (CNSA 2.0) guidelines and NIST standards.
  • Testing & Prototyping: Proven ability to establish isolated testing enclaves, define Proof-of-Concept (PoC) performance criteria, and manage low-blast-radius deployment strategies for new cryptographic solutions.
  • PKI Engineering: Deep expertise in Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) engineering and lifecycle management.

Leadership & Strategic Skills:
  • Change Management & Scale: Success leading and culturally transforming large technical teams within high-stakes, mission-critical environments from manual operations to modern engineering practices.
  • Stakeholder Diplomacy: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to present complex operational issues, technical risks, and automation roadmaps, to leadership and external governance boards.
  • Decisiveness: Strong command presence with a methodical, risk-based approach to incident response, vulnerability management, and infrastructure bottlenecks.

Preferred Certifications:
  • CISSP, CISM, or formal federal/defense COMSEC Manager certifications.

Required Clearance:
  • US Citizenship.
  • Active secret clearance with the ability to obtain a top secret clearance.

About Us
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
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.

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