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Description
About OKSI Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) designs and builds EO/IR sensor systems, autonomous platforms, and modeling and simulation technology that give warfighters a decisive edge. We're a small, fast-moving team where your work reaches the field in months, not years.
The Role We are seeking a Product Security Engineer to own product-level security across OKSI's hardware and software systems. You will define and maintain the policies, standards, and architectural practices that protect our systems from design through field deployment. This is a strategic role requiring both the depth to establish security standards company-wide and the hands-on technical background to assess implementation and guide engineering teams.
What You'll Do
- Lead threat modeling and security analysis across hardware, firmware, and software throughout the product lifecycle. Produce threat matrices, risk assessments, and security requirements traceable through design reviews and release gates. Own CVE tracking, vulnerability management, and security baseline compliance across the product portfolio.
- Define and implement hardening standards for embedded Linux, RTOS, and bare-metal environments. Establish code signing policies, secure boot chain integrity, and validation procedures. Partner with IT and Engineering to architect and maintain the product signing and key management infrastructure using HSMs, KMS, or equivalent systems.
- Own OKSI's anti-tamper posture aligned with DoD policy (DoDI 5200.39) and applicable Program Protection Plan requirements. Define IP protection strategy spanning software binary protection, hardware design protection, firmware confidentiality, and cryptographically bound license enforcement.
- Serve as OKSI's product security authority. Establish company-wide standards, lead design reviews, provide security sign-off at program milestones, and embed security requirements into the Systems Engineering process. Provide guidance and training to Engineering, IT, and Operations teams on secure design principles.
Requirements
Requirements
- 7+ years of product security, embedded security, or cybersecurity systems engineering in a defense, aerospace, or advanced technology environment.
- Demonstrated expertise leading threat modeling, security risk assessments, and vulnerability analysis across hardware, firmware, and software domains - including production of threat matrices, attack surface analyses, and traceable mitigation plans.
- Hands-on experience defining and implementing security policies and standards (not just executing implementation tasks). You own the policy and architecture.
- Working knowledge of secure boot architectures, anti-tamper techniques, and embedded platform security (e.g., UEFI Secure Boot, ARM TrustZone, fuse-based root-of-trust).
- Practical experience with embedded Linux hardening: kernel configuration, module signing, RBAC/least-privilege access models, debug interface lockdown, and production credential management.
- Experience with key management infrastructure and signing pipelines (HSMs, KMS, or equivalent) for firmware, software releases, and factory provisioning workflows.
- Familiarity with DoD program protection and anti-tamper policy frameworks (DoDI 5200.39) and experience producing or reviewing Program Protection Plans (PPPs).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for policy documentation, risk reporting, and cross-functional leadership.
Preferred
- Active DoD Secret or Top Secret clearance.
- Experience establishing a secure product development lifecycle (SPDLC) or embedding security checkpoints into an engineering development process.
- Familiarity with secure CI/CD pipeline design, software supply chain security, and artifact integrity controls.
- Background in ITAR/EAR technology protection controls and export-controlled program environments.
- Familiarity with CMMC, RMF, IEC 62443, or NIST SP 800-193/800-147 frameworks.
- Experience with EO/IR, UAS, autonomous systems, or other embedded defense technology programs.
- Relevant certifications: CISSP, CSSLP, CEH, or equivalent.
- DoD SkillBridge participants with relevant MOS/AFSC experience (e.g., 17A, 25D, 1B4, or program protection/acquisition roles) are strongly encouraged to apply.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary range: $154,000 - $210,000 annually
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage fully paid by the employer for employees
- Three weeks of vacation to start
- Automatic company contribution to 401K – 5% of earned wages (no matching required)
- Educational assistance and professional development opportunities
Additional Requirements:
- You must have, or be eligible to obtain, a U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance. You will be subject to government security investigations and must be able to access classified information. The inability to obtain a security clearance will result in you being ineligible for the position.
Salary Description
$154,000 - $210,000