Freelance Crypto Research Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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. Why Work with us? Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support.Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers. Responsibilities include: * 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.
Qualifications/ Technical Experience Requirements: * 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, equipment, and COMSEC keying material.
* Minimum of two years of advanced staff experience with planning, organizing, and negotiating effectively with leading cross-functional teams using existing Task Management Tool (TMT) or other staff coordination standards, document reviews, program updates, and background papers to drive the adoption of critical recommendations.
* Minimum of two years of advanced staff experience with planning, organizing, and negotiating effectively with leading cross-functional teams to drive the adoption of critical recommendations.
* Knowledge and experience with administrative maintenance and support of cloud-based business tools (e.g. Envision, Microsoft 365 Power Platforms), to ensure efficient operations, monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues and manage user accounts, permissions, and access rights.
All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check. This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability, and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities. This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans, and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.