COMSEC Custodian

Are you an experienced COMSEC Custodian or COMSEC Account Manager?

Are you interested in being part of a team supporting critical national security missions?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking an experienced Communications Security (COMSEC) Custodian to join the APL COMSEC team. As a COMSEC Custodian, you will support APL's COMSEC Account Manager in providing secure communications to mission programs. You'll join an impressive team of technical specialists who are motivated by one common goal and passionate about supporting our Program needs. You'll be an active contributor to safeguarding all of APL's Sponsor network systems and secure voice communications. With your help, we will ensure secure communications are implemented and maintained for voice and network communications.

As a COMSEC Custodian, your responsibilities will include...

• Managing the APL COMSEC account in accordance with NSA/CSS Policy Manual 3-16 and the regulations of other U.S. Government sponsors.
• Implementing and overseeing procedures to maintain mandatory government compliance and accountability standards for cryptographic materials.
• Assisting in the ordering, tracking, receiving, issuing, accounting for, safeguarding, and destroying all COMSEC materials.
• Conducting periodic inspections, inventories, and audits of all COMSEC materials.
• Collaborating closely with program staff, equipment vendors, and government sponsors to manage the procurement of CCI material to ensure supply chain security, NSA procedures, and other standards are followed.
• Remaining compliant with all NSA and other government agencies mandatory training requirements.
• Maintaining expertise on the use and employment of various Key loading devices (SKL, RASKL, TKL) and Viper phones.
• Operating and maintaining COMSEC accounting (DIAS) and key management systems (Intermediary Application (iApp)).
• Providing support to compliance activities and the APL FSO during inspections by cognizant security authorities.
• Investigating, documenting and reporting all COMSEC incident reports to applicable government sponsoring agencies.
• In addition to assignment as Alternate COMSEC Custodian, selected candidate will also serve as a COMSEC Responsibility Officer (CRO) supporting U.S. government COMSEC account.

You meet our minimum qualifications if you...

• Possess a Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of relevant experience.
• Have at least three years of relevant experience as a primary or alternate COMSEC custodian or COMSEC account manager / Electronic Key Management System (EKMS) account manager.
• Have experience with NSA COMSEC management policies and all applicable CNSSI.
• Have experience with COMSEC account software, either DIAS or KMI.
• Have prior experience in processing classified cryptographic communications material and devices to include Vipers, STE, SWT, TACLANEs, etc.
• Have experience implementing a COMSEC program under the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM).
• Have a current DoD 8570 IAT level 1 certification.
• Have excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Have knowledge of contractor COMSEC operations, physical and cyber security requirements.
• Have demonstrated experience developing, automating, and streamlining processes and procedures.
• Have formal Key Management Infrastructure (KMI) training.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain TS/SCI+poly level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a current DoD 8570 IAT level 2 certification.
• Have documented completion of NSA COMSEC Account Manager Training Course (IAEC-2112).
• Have familiarity with JHU/APL practices and procedures.
• Have experience as a COMSEC or EKMS Custodian in a military setting.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please View email address on click.appcast.io.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.