Software Engineer II – Cybersecurity & Encryption (DoD Programs)

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Software Engineer II – Cybersecurity & Encryption to support the development, integration, and maintenance of secure software solutions for government, defense, and other mission-critical programs. In this role, you will design and implement cybersecurity features, encryption technologies, and secure communications capabilities that protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with rigorous security requirements.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in secure software development, applied cryptography, vulnerability remediation, and cybersecurity best practices. This individual will collaborate closely with software engineers, systems engineers, security professionals, and program stakeholders to deliver secure, reliable, and high-performing solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain secure software applications and services supporting mission-critical programs.
• Implement and integrate cryptographic algorithms, encryption technologies, and secure communications protocols into software systems.
• Develop and maintain authentication, authorization, access control, and key management capabilities.
• Perform secure code reviews, vulnerability assessments, and remediation activities to address identified security risks.
• Support security compliance activities by implementing and documenting required technical controls aligned with industry and government cybersecurity standards.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to address findings from security assessments, vulnerability scans, and penetration testing activities.
• Participate in the full software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, development, testing, deployment, and sustainment.
• Develop well-structured, maintainable, and testable code using modern programming languages and development tools.
• Support integration activities involving secure computing environments, hardware security technologies, and encrypted communications systems.
• Contribute to technical documentation, design reviews, security assessments, and engineering reviews.
• Support DevSecOps initiatives, including automated security testing, software assurance, and secure deployment processes.
• Research emerging cybersecurity threats, cryptographic technologies, and industry best practices to support continuous improvement efforts.

Qualifications

• Education
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity, software engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Relevant cybersecurity certifications are a plus.
• Experience
• A minimum of 4 years of professional software engineering experience with a focus on cybersecurity, secure software development, or encryption technologies.
• Experience developing software applications in secure or regulated environments.
• Experience implementing cryptographic libraries, encryption protocols, or secure communications technologies.
• Experience with software development lifecycle methodologies and secure coding practices.
• Experience working within Linux or Unix operating environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting government, defense, aerospace, space, telecommunications, or other highly regulated industries.
• Experience with cryptographic protocols, key management systems, and public key infrastructure (PKI).
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks, risk management methodologies, and security compliance standards.
• Experience supporting security accreditation, authorization, or compliance efforts.
• Experience integrating software with hardware-based security technologies.
• Knowledge of secure communications systems, embedded software, or mission-critical applications.
• Experience with containerization, cloud-native security, or secure DevSecOps practices.
• Familiarity with secure software testing, static analysis, and vulnerability management tools.
• Experience supporting CI/CD pipelines and software automation frameworks.
• Active security clearance or eligibility to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
• Soft Skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and non-technical teams.
• Proven ability to work successfully within cross-functional and multidisciplinary engineering environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation and stakeholder presentations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex software and security challenges.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accuracy and integrity of software, security controls, and technical documentation.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced, evolving technology environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in cybersecurity and software engineering.
• Technology Stack
• Programming languages: C, C++, Java, Python, Rust, or equivalent.
• Cryptographic libraries and secure communications technologies.
• Version control systems (Git or equivalent).
• Linux and Unix operating systems.
• Static and dynamic application security testing tools.
• CI/CD and DevSecOps platforms.
• Containerization and virtualization technologies.
• Security scanning and vulnerability management tools.
• Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and software debugging tools.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Collaboration, documentation, and project management platforms.
• Physical Requirements
• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to review technical documentation, software requirements, architecture diagrams, and engineering data.
• Ability to participate in meetings, design reviews, security assessments, and collaborative engineering sessions.
• Ability to perform detailed software analysis, troubleshooting, and debugging activities.
• May occasionally work in laboratory, integration, testing, or operational environments.
• Ability to travel occasionally as required for program support, customer meetings, training, or testing activities.
• Additional Requirements
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
• U.S. citizenship may be required based on program and contract requirements.
• This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.
• AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.