FIPS 140 Security Engineer

Job#: 3035485

Job Description:
FIPS 140 Security Engineer

Location: Columbia, MD preferred; Willing to consider remote for strong candidates

Employment Type: Contract

Role Overview

This is an opportunity to work in the IT Security field supporting national defense. This role joins an Accredited Testing and Evaluation (AT&E, Common Criteria/FIPS) team. The products you will work on are deployed into larger systems to facilitate secure communications. The position is in a hands-on lab environment and offers the opportunity to learn from industry experts.

Key Responsibilities

• Work on varied FIPS 140 validation projects.
• Perform general security analysis and design work, including product architecture.
• Conduct vulnerability testing, physical security testing, and system-level logical analysis.
• Execute product evaluations against Technology Type standards.
• Perform cryptographic and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) testing and algorithm testing.
• Engage in source code review activities.
• Handle technical report writing and review.
• Automate testing through scripting and develop applications to support test cases.

Required Qualifications

• A Cryptographic Validation Program (CVP) Certification is required.
• The role typically requires a BS degree with 2 - 4 years of prior relevant experience. This experience should include building testing environments, performing testing, and reporting results through technical writing.
• Knowledge of cryptographic encryption algorithms, key exchange algorithms, hashing/message authentication algorithms, PKI, and random number generators.
• Experience with programming languages such as C, C++, Python, or Java.
• Ability to comprehend and apply security standard requirements to products.
• Experience setting up networks, with familiarity in subnetting and routing concepts.
• Knowledge of common security-related protocols like SSH, IPsec, and TLS.
• Demonstrated skills in troubleshooting, problem-solving, multitasking, and time management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the Python programming language.
• Experience with debugging tools (e.g., Android debug bridge (adb), WinDBG, Visual Studio).
• Experience with statistical analysis of entropy sources.
• Knowledge of OpenSSL and/or OpenPGP.
• Vulnerability analysis or penetration testing experience.
• Knowledge of computer security principles and best practices.
• Related certifications (e.g., CCNA/CCNP/CCIE, JNCIA/JNCIS/JNCIP/JNCIE).
• Knowledge of Active Directory and Linux.
• Hands-on experience using tools such as an oscilloscope, function generator, or multi-meter.
• Knowledge of X.509 certificate validation.

Compensation & Benefits

The pay rate for this position is between $55.00/hr and $62.00/hr. The specific rate will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and other relevant factors.

This employer is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

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Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Everforth Apex and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at

Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.

Everforth Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.

If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in an interview with a virtual recruiter or to use our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at or . Please note that this contact information is strictly to be used for medical ADA accommodations and that no other inquiries will be answered.

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Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.