COMSEC Account Manager

At Arete, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation's most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee- owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth.

Discover your future with us.

We are seeking a COMSEC Account Manager/IT System Administrator 2 to work as a member of our Program IT team. This position is a full-time onsite role in the Tucson, AZ facility. This position reports directly to the Manager of Program IT. The selected candidate must be eligible to maintain a Top Secret clearance and pass a counterintelligence polygraph. The candidate will work on multiple DoD contracts supporting the design, installation, and configuration of Cyber-compliant prototype and low volume production systems and networks of varying complexities. The candidate will be working on exciting projects in direct support of the Warfighter. The candidate will serve as the onsite COMSEC Account Manager and perform reoccurring production system builds including several COMSEC-related activities. The candidate will collaborate with other IT staff members, Cyber Security staff, alternate COMSEC custodians, travel occasionally, and provide occasional afterhours support. This is a non-supervisory exempt full-time position.

Primary responsibilities:

• Serve as the COMSEC Account Manager for the Tucson, AZ Facility and perform a variety of tasks to safeguard CCI material and equipment. Tasks include but are not limited to advising on COMSEC policies and procedures; issuing of new material, receipts, and transfer documents; maintaining records; performing inventory of material, establishing controls, and reporting on disposition.
• Administer and record COMSEC-required briefings and assist with lock and combination changes.
• Assist in shipping Cryptographic products and key material weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Perform Over-The-Air-Transfer (OTAT) of key material.
• Coordinate and/or assist on matters that involve COMSEC programs, policies, and procedures with other COMSEC Account Managers and Government customers; evaluate and assist on making changes to COMSEC plans and procedures.
• Serve as the primary IT system builder for new Linux-based production systems. Apply new or updated system configurations and images in accordance with build procedures to existing or new systems. Contribute to the maintenance, configuration and installation of various Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems used on HPCs, data collectors, sensor systems, COTS servers, and other deliverable IT systems;
• Contribute to the required technical documentation packages;
• Perform routine technical maintenance procedures and activities;
• Adhere to required quality control processes;
• Support system integration activities and occasional field tests as needed;
• Other duties, as assigned.

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

Generous PTO and Leave Times

• Flextime Scheduling
• Bereavement
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental Leave

Financial Benefits

• 401K Retirement Plan Contribution
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Continuing Education Funds

Health, Medical, and Wellness Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement

Qualities We Look For

• Creativity
• Integrity
• Passion
• Responsiveness
• Collaboration

Experiences and Background We Look For:

• Eligible to obtain and hold a Top Secret clearance
• Must have or be able to obtain a Security+ CE or equivalent certification for DoD 8140 / 8570 IAT Level II or higher within 90 days of employment
• Minimum of 2 years working as a System Administrator, Engineer, Network Administrator or similar role
• Bachelor's Degree in an Information Technology related discipline OR current, applicable industry-standard certifications (i.e. MCSA, CCNA, RHCSA) OR an additional 3 years of experience
• Working knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 and/or 9
• Knowledge of National Security Agency (NSA) 3-16 COMSEC policy and procedures and COMSEC accountability requirements software (Distributed INFOSEC Accounting System (DIAS)
• Experience in tracking, transfer and destruction of Controlled Cryptographic Items (CCI's) and COMSEC keying material, to include semiannual inventories.
• Complex system troubleshooting experience in a classified environment
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work autonomously and with a remote team
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to document/diagram information systems and procedures.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds.

Nice to Have:

• Some experience with one or more of the following technologies: Cluster Management software, RDMA configuration in support of 100gbe Networking, Anaconda environment installation and configuration, NVIDIA Driver/CUDA installation in Linux, RHEL 8 security-related functions (SELinux, AIDE, firewalld, PAM configuration files, the Linux Audit system, and more), iSCSI, NFS
• Administrative level knowledge of Cisco Nexus NX-OS and/or Cisco IOS
• Some experience in server hardware troubleshooting and installation
• Relevant experience building and configuring IT systems in a classified environment accredited under the Risk Management Framework
• Experience in the programming and operational functions of approved key fill devices including KIK-20, SKL, and DTD
• Familiar with Electronic Key Management Software (EKMS) or Key Management Infrastructure (KMI)

The salary range for this role is $85,000 to $105,000; however, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Other Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility. Arete will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.

Other Considerations

Arete is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Arete Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.