Security Systems Engineer-SME at Saalex Corporation in Ridgecrest, California

Job Description:

Job Description: Security Systems Engineer

Saalex Solutions is seeking an experienced Security System Engineer to provide expert support to Tactical Air Range Integrated Facility (TARIF) functions under the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD). The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Cross Domain Solutions (CDS), DoD cybersecurity, and security-focused integrated product support for complex systems. In this role, you will independently address and solve technical challenges, ensuring the effective integration and sustainability of TARIF-supported products. You will serve as a critical liaison between engineering teams, DoD decision-makers, and vendors, providing technical expertise, driving problem resolution, and ensuring compliance with stringent security protocols.

This position demands a highly motivated and self-reliant problem solver who can navigate complex technical environments with limited or ambiguous guidance, using advanced analytical skills to deliver solutions in real-time.

Responsibilities:

• Independent Problem-Solving and Technical Leadership:
  Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) to resolve complex CDS and system integration issues dealing with integrating multiple CDS systems together and with other systems. Work independently with limited or unclear guidance to analyze discrepancies, perform root cause analysis, and develop technical solutions for TARIF-supported products. Your ability to tackle unique, high-impact challenges will be essential to the mission's success.


• Liaison and Solutions Provider:
  Serve as the central point of contact between engineering teams, DoD decision-makers, and external vendors. Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the alignment of TARIF-supported products with both operational needs and cybersecurity requirements. Provide technical recommendations and drive solutions to ensure system effectiveness and security compliance.


• CDS and Cybersecurity Compliance:
  Oversee and implement solutions for cross-domain data transfer within TARIF-supported products. Ensure that data is securely transferred across systems and domains while complying with DoD cybersecurity and National Cross Domain Strategy and Management Office standards to include Raise the Bar (RtB) requirements. Expertise in Navy CDS procedures is required to ensure systems are resilient and maintain strict data security. Manage the integration of DoD-approved cybersecurity frameworks such as RMF, NIST, DISA STIGs, and applicable standards for security management and risk mitigation. Perform technical support for Lab-Based Security Assessments (LBSAs), Site-Based Security Assessments (SBSAs) and all other NCDSMO required compliance activities for initial and continued certification of the systems.


• System Troubleshooting and Evaluation:
  Lead in-depth troubleshooting efforts, particularly in addressing cross-domain and system integration challenges. When faced with complex or novel issues, independently assess the situation, gather relevant data, and apply engineering principles to devise practical and innovative solutions. Work closely with both internal teams and external vendors to evaluate system performance and security.


• System Integration, Testing, and Optimization:
  Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate, test, and optimize TARIF-supported products. Ensure that all integrated systems meet cross-domain security protocols, perform at the highest operational standards, and comply with security and performance requirements. Develop and execute comprehensive test plans to verify system reliability, performance, and security.


• Lifecycle and Sustainment Support:
  Provide continuous support for TARIF-supported products throughout their lifecycle. Offer operational sustainment, resolve issues as they arise, and ensure that systems maintain peak performance, security, and compliance even as requirements evolve. Your role will be essential in ensuring long-term system effectiveness, reliability, and sustainability. This role will also assist in the government in developing multi-year budgetary artifacts to include acquisition, maintenance, and sustainment costs for input into the Program Objective Memorandum (POM) process to ensure the system(s) are always adequately funded. This role will also assist in providing technical support to the lifecycle strategic planning for the acquisition decisions for future CDS systems.


• Field Support and Hands-on Technical Assistance:
  Travel up to 50% to provide on-the-ground support for TARIF-supported products. This may include troubleshooting issues in live environments, performing system evaluations, and delivering solutions to operational challenges. While on-site, you will lead troubleshooting efforts and provide real-time solutions to technical issues, working both independently and as part of a team.


• Team Collaboration and Continuous Improvement:
  Work collaboratively with engineering teams, cybersecurity specialists, and DoD stakeholders. Participate in cross-functional team meetings, providing insights and technical recommendations. Foster a team-driven environment, while also demonstrating the initiative to independently address and solve complex technical problems when necessary.

• Education:
  
  
  • Master's degree or equivalent experience in computer science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent superior experience in system engineering or security software design.
  
  
  • Strong knowledge and hands-on experience in DoD systems and cross-domain security will be considered in lieu of a formal degree for highly experienced candidates.
  
  
  
  


• Experience:
  
  
  • Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in security software engineering, system integration, and DoD cybersecurity.
  
  
  • In-depth experience in cross-domain solutions (CDS), including secure data transfer across different security levels, data integrity, and risk management.
  
  
  • Experience supporting TARIF-supported products or similar DoD systems, with a proven ability to deliver solutions in a complex, multi-domain environment.
  
  
  • Proven track record of problem-solving with limited guidance, especially in situations where clear direction is unavailable, and decisions must be made independently.
  
  
  • Experience in providing integrated product support, system testing, and troubleshooting, especially for systems requiring cross-domain solutions.
  
  
  
  


• DAU Systems Engineering Accreditation within 18 months of hire:
  
  
  • Completion of DAU (Defense Acquisition University) Systems Engineering courses or similar accreditation is required. This includes foundational systems engineering courses and practical applications for systems integration, requirements analysis, and lifecycle management.
  
  
  • Reputable DAU courses for this position include:
    
    
    • ENG 101: Fundamentals of Systems Engineering
    
    
    • ENG 201: Intermediate Systems Engineering
    
    
    • ENG 301: Advanced Systems Engineering
    
    
    • SYS 101: Introduction to Systems Engineering
    
    
    • SYS 202: System Design & Integration
    
    
    • SYS 301: Technical Leadership in Systems Engineering
    
    
    • PMT 250: Project Management for Systems Engineering
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and systems engineering lifecycle is highly preferred.
  
  
  
  


• Skills:
  
  
  • Strong proficiency in cross-domain security principles and CDS implementation.
  
  
  • Expertise in RMF, NIST 800-series, DISA STIGs, and other DoD cybersecurity compliance frameworks.
  
  
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to independently manage and resolve complex system integration and security challenges in high-pressure environments.
  
  
  • Ability to work collaboratively in team-driven environments, while being self-reliant in delivering technical solutions.
  
  
  
  


• Certifications within 18 months:
  
  
  • CISSP, CEH, CompTIA Security+, or other DoD cybersecurity certifications are highly preferred.
  
  
  • DAU Systems Engineering certification or related systems engineering training.
  
  
  
  


• Clearance:
  • Active or ability to attain Top Secret DoD security clearance is required. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain clearance.