PKI Senior Engineer

Job Title: PKI Senior Engineer

Location – San Antonio, TX / Hybrid

Degree - BA/BS

Experience - 7 years

Clearance - Secret

Summary of Position

The PKI Senior Engineer provides advanced engineering and technical support to the Air Force Public Key Infrastructure (AFPKI) System Program Office (SPO) within the Cryptologic and Cyber Systems Division. The engineer designs, implements, and sustains enterprise PKI solutions that secure Air Force missions across classified and unclassified networks. This position ensures cryptographic and identity services remain compliant with FIPS 140-2/3, DoDI /03, and enterprise Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) and Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) initiatives.

Serving as a technical authority in Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), Common Access Card (CAC), and Identity Management systems, the PKI Senior Engineer provides expert guidance on architecture design, security policy, implementation strategies, and operational process improvements. The engineer collaborates with SAF/CN, DISA, DMDC, and DoD mission partners to maintain interoperability, strengthen certificate-based authentication mechanisms, and advance cryptographic modernization initiatives, including post-quantum cryptography (PQC) readiness.

The candidate works both independently and as part of a collaborative engineering team to integrate PKI capabilities into enterprise systems, assess the security posture of Air Force networks, and ensure mission systems are securely enabled through robust certificate management and trust services.

Essential Job Requirements

• Proficient in Windows (7, 8, 10, Server and Linux (CentOS, Fedora, Red Hat, Debian) systems.
• Support implementation of network and system configuration changes using IT infrastructure assessment tools and techniques.
• Strong understanding of network architectures and components; able to assist Air Force units with PKI device setup and troubleshooting.
• Comprehensive knowledge of DoD computer security, encryption, and IT standards, practices, and processes.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, policies, and procedures related to cybersecurity, information assurance, and PKI.
• Skilled in setting measurable goals, establishing timelines, and tracking progress.
• Proven ability to communicate technical requirements and expectations clearly across diverse audiences.
• Experienced in managing the PKI system lifecycle-including logistics, deployment, sustainment, and disposal-within DoD or DAF environments.
• Capable of developing and maintaining implementation and sustainment plans, including audit processes and forecast requirements.
• Must possess or be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

Required Education

• Bachelor of Science degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• Industry certifications (e.g., CISSP, Security+, VMware) preferred.

Required Experience (7+ years)

• Minimum of 7 years' experience in the Cyber, PKI, or IA community.
• Experience supporting the fielding of new PKI- or IA-related software and hardware solutions.
• Proven ability to deliver technical solutions to a wide range of complex challenges.

Required Skills

• Analytical: Ability to evaluate policy, guidance, and emerging PKI technologies to develop implementation strategies for the Air Force.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to coordinate AF PKI positions with DoD subject matter experts and decision-makers.

Physical Requirements

Standard office environment; may require occasional lifting of personal computers, files, or supplies.

Equipment Used

Personal computers, software, and government phone systems and networks.

Security Clearance

Active Secret clearance required.