FIPS Certifications Analyst
The FIPS Certifications Analyst at Confidential Client is an entry-level full-time role focused on supporting product certification efforts for FIPS 140-3 and related security standards. The analyst examines IT products for compliance gaps, analyzes cryptographic implementations, authors technical documentation, and coordinates with vendors and certifying bodies to ensure successful certification. This role requires strong analytical, technical writing, and communication skills, with opportunities to engage in project management and government certification processes.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, IT.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role overview
Confidential Client is hiring an entry-level FIPS Certifications Analyst in Fair Oaks, VA. This role supports product certification activities for FIPS 140-3 and related security certification programs, performing technical analysis of cryptography and security controls, producing documentation for testing and certification, and coordinating with vendors and testing labs.
Responsibilities
- Examine IT products against security certification standards to identify and document compliance gaps.
- Analyze cryptographic components and their integration within systems.
- Review product design, architecture, and implementation details and create certification-specific technical documentation.
- Configure products and produce deployment guidance to meet certification requirements.
- Author evaluation documentation for submission to testing labs and certifying authorities.
- Conduct functional, operational, and vulnerability testing and produce test reports.
- Communicate with vendors, testing facilities, and certifying authorities to resolve compliance gaps and testing queries.
- Manage project schedules and deliverables for certification tasks.
Required qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, cybersecurity, computer engineering, or a related discipline.
- Knowledge of cryptographic methods (encryption/decryption, digital signatures, PKI, hashing, RNGs, key transport/agreement).
- Familiarity with secure communications protocols such as TLS, SSH, and IPsec.
- Strong analytical and technical skills with attention to detail in cryptography use cases.
- Strong technical writing and oral presentation skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong organizational and prioritization abilities.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with project management.
- Experience with government certification processes, especially FIPS 140-3.
- Familiarity with the NIST SP 800 series publications (beyond SP 800-53).
Compensation & schedule
- Employment type: Full-time, entry-level.
- Salary range: $60,000 – $75,000 per year (as provided by the source posting).
- Location: Fair Oaks, VA (onsite / local collaboration as required by the client).
Recruiter note — Careertakes support
Careertakes will facilitate candidate screening, interview scheduling, and communications for this position on behalf of the Confidential Client. Selected candidates will be employed directly by the Confidential Client. Candidates may be asked to provide proof of education or participate in standard background or reference checks as part of the hiring process.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
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