Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc. is seeking a Technical Support Specialist with secondary COMSEC responsibilities to support the Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) Sector on-site in Raleigh, NC. This role is primarily focused on end-user support, system troubleshooting, and Information Technology (IT) operations, while also serving as the Communications Security (COMSEC) Custodian for a small local account. The ideal candidate will enhance system reliability, improve support processes, and help document institutional knowledge, while maintaining compliance with COMSEC policies (32 CFR Part 117, CNSSI No. 4005, DoD/DoW, etc.). This role requires initiative, technical expertise, and attention to detail in a security focused classified computing environment.

This position will support mission-critical systems across classified environments (Collateral through TS/SCI). The role is IT support-focused, responsible for supporting end users and improving operational processes. The role also includes COMSEC Custodian duties for a limited inventory of cryptographic material for a small local account. The selected candidate will play a key role in improving support efficiency, identifying IT risks before failure, and helping formalize technical knowledge across the organization.

Primary Responsibilities – Technical Support (Core Focus):

• Provide day-to-day technical support for end users, including basic troubleshooting efforts for hardware, software, and access issues in classified environments.
• Manage and maintain user accounts, ensuring proper provisioning, access control, and lifecycle management.
• Proactively identify potential hardware or system failures and take corrective action before operational impact occurs.
• Utilize and maintain the RT (Request Tracker) ticketing system to track issues, workload, and resolution timelines.
• Ensure the RT queue is clean, organized, and actionable, enabling visibility into team performance and support trends.
• Collaborate with system administrators, engineers, and R& D teams to resolve issues and improve system performance.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical documentation, wikis, and SharePoint content to capture institutional knowledge and reduce single points of failure.
• Support process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, repeatability, and user experience.

Secondary Responsibilities – COMSEC (Additional Duty)

• Serve as COMSEC Custodian/Responsible Officer for a small local COMSEC account.
• Manage limited lifecycle accountability of cryptographic material and Controlled Cryptographic Items (CCI).
• Conduct required inventories and ensure proper storage, handling, and documentation in compliance with NSA and DoD/DoW policies.
• Maintain COMSEC records and assist with inspections and audits.
• Support development and maintenance of COMSEC SOPs and training materials.

Technical Support Specialist / COMSEC Custodian Qualifications:

• US Citizen with an active DoD Secret or higher clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field with 0-2 years of hands-on technical experience, equivalent professional experience (6+ years) will be considered for talented candidates without a degree.
• 1+ years of experience of technical support / help desk / system support experience in a classified or enterprise environment.
• Experience with user account management, system troubleshooting, and ticketing systems (RT or similar).
• Working knowledge of COMSEC practices or experience as a COMSEC Custodian/Responsible Officer (can be secondary experience).
• CompTIA Security+ or equivalent DoD 8570 baseline certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to brief leadership and technical teams.

Technical Support Specialist / COMSEC Custodian Preferences:

• Active Top Secret Clearance, SCI eligibility preferred.
• Experience with cryptographic devices, key management infrastructure (KMI), and Controlled Cryptographic Items (CCI).
• Knowledge of NSA Distributed INFORSEC Accounting Systems (DIAS).
• NSA COMSEC Custodian or KMI training/certification.
• Experience with cryptographic devices and fill equipment (e.g., SKL, KG-250, KG-175D).
• Familiarity with RMF, DISA STIGs, and other cybersecurity governance frameworks.

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2, 215 employee owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice with what happens in the company. We are also very proud of our Women’s Initiative Network (WIN), whose purpose is to motivate, support, and encourage professional career development for women to maximize career and professional accomplishments.

Experience

• Less than 2 year(s): Relevant Work Experience

Education

• Bachelors or better in Cyber & Info Security Technology or related field

Licenses & Certifications

• Comp TIA Security+

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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