Software Engineer with Security Clearance

Chipton-Ross is seeking a Software Engineer for a contract hybrid position in Owego, NY. REQUIREMENTS * Minimum 2 years of professional experience developing, building, and debugging Linux kernel modules (C language, kbuild/DKMS).
* Strong knowledge of core Linux internals (process scheduling, memory management, synchronization primitives).
* Proficient in systems level C programming and familiar with kernel coding style and static analysis tools.
* Demonstrated understanding of secure coding practices for kernel space (avoid leaks, race conditions, proper error handling).
* Experience working with SELinux/AppArmor or similar LSM frameworks in a production environment.
* Active Secret security clearance.
* Effective written and verbal communication skills; proven ability to produce clear design documentation and work within cross functional teams. RESPONSIBILITIES We are seeking a senior level Linux kernel engineer to design and implement a kernel level solution that intercepts VFS read/write operations, pins user memory pages, builds scatter gather DMA tables, and offloads the data to a cryptographic accelerator (hardware engine or user space process). The engineer will collaborate with hardware, security, and software teams to deliver a stable, high performance, and secure off load path that complies with Lockheed?Martin coding standards and regulatory requirements. DESIRED * VFS & kprobe/kretprobe - Implemented handlers for vfs_read, vfs_write, or similar VFS entry points.
* Page pinning & Memory Management - Used pin_user_pages_fast, get_user_pages, and managed pin count cleanup.
* Scatter Gather / DMA engine - Built and populated struct sg_table / struct scatterlist; interfaced with dma_map_sg / dma_unmap_sg.
* Linux Crypto API - Registered and used symmetric/asymmetric algorithms via the Crypto API, including async request handling.
* Kernel Key Management - Managed cryptographic keys with the kernel keyring (keyctl, request_key) or integrated external KMS/HSM.
* User Space Communication - Designed netlink, character device, ioctl, or shared memory interfaces for status updates and key exchange.
* Testing & Profiling - Created kernel module unit tests (kselftest/kunit), used perf, ftrace, bpftrace for latency/performance analysis.
* Hardware Crypto Offload - Experience with Intel QAT, ARM TrustZone, FPGA based accelerators, or similar off load engines.
* Up stream Contributions - Submitted patches accepted to VFS, Crypto, DMA engine, or related subsystems.
* Trusted Execution Environments / Secure Enclaves - Worked with OP TEE, Intel SGX, or comparable TEEs.
* DPDK or High Performance User Space I/O - Familiarity with DPDK or similar frameworks for user space data paths.
* Certifications - Linux Foundation Certified Engineer (LFCE), CISSP, GSEC, or specialized hardware security training.
* Regulated Industry Experience - Prior work on aerospace, defense, or ITAR controlled projects with required documentation and audit practices. SHIFT 4/10 - 1st EDUCATION HS/GED MISCELLANEOUS Active Secret Clearance Required HYB ADDITIONAL INFORMATION * Applicants responding to this position will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements by currently possessing the ability to view classified government information. * Employment will be contingent on clearing a drug screen and background check. Both must clear prior to start date. * Candidates responding to this posting must currently possess the eligibility to work in the United States. No third parties please.