Certificate Authority (CA) System Senior Engineer / Staff Engineer
Position Purpose & Summary:
The job purpose of a Certificate Authority System Senior/Staff Engineer revolves around overseeing, designing, implementing, and maintaining the Certificate Authority (CA) infrastructure within an organization.
The role involves managing the security and integrity of digital certificates, cryptographic keys, and related systems. The role of a Certificate Authority System Senior/Staff Engineer is critical for maintaining the security and trustworthiness of digital communications within an organization.
It requires a deep understanding of cryptographic principles, security protocols, and industry standards related to digital certificates and PKI. Additionally, effective collaboration with various teams and continuous monitoring of security landscapes are essential aspects of the job.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
CA System Design and Implementation:
Design and implement the Certificate Authority system, ensuring it aligns with security policies, industry standards, and organizational requirements.
Certificate Lifecycle Management:
Oversee the entire lifecycle of digital certificates, including issuance, renewal, revocation, and expiration.
Cryptographic Key Management:
Manage the generation, distribution, rotation, and retirement of cryptographic keys, maintaining the integrity and security of the cryptographic infrastructure.
Security Policy Development:
Contribute to the development and enforcement of security policies and procedures related to digital certificates, cryptographic keys, and the overall Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).
Compliance Management:
Ensure compliance with industry regulations, standards (such as X.509), and security frameworks governing digital certificates and PKI.
Risk Assessment:
Conduct risk assessments related to the CA system and cryptographic infrastructure, identifying vulnerabilities and implementing mitigation strategies.
Incident Response:
Develop and implement incident response plans for security incidents involving digital certificates, cryptographic keys, or the CA system.
Security Audits and Assessments:
Perform regular security audits and assessments of the CA system, identifying weaknesses and implementing corrective actions.
Collaboration:
Collaborate with other cybersecurity and IT teams to integrate the CA system securely within the broader organizational infrastructure
Security Research:
Stay informed about emerging technologies, security threats, and industry trends related to digital certificates, PKI, and cryptographic systems.
Academic Qualification:
- Degree in Computer Science
- Information Security, or a related field
Professional Qualification and/or Regulatory, Licensing requirements :
- Relevant certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM),
- or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) may be preferred
Technical Skills
- Certificate Authority Systems:
Proficiency in designing, implementing, and managing Certificate Authority (CA) systems. - Public Key Infrastructure (PKI):
In-depth knowledge of PKI principles, including certificate hierarchies, certificate policies, and certificate revocation. - Cryptographic Key Management:
Expertise in managing cryptographic key lifecycles, including key generation, distribution, rotation, and secure retirement. - Digital Certificate Management:
Experience in overseeing the issuance, renewal, revocation, and expiration of digital certificates. - Security Protocols:
Knowledge of security protocols, cryptographic algorithms, and industry standards (e.g., X.509). - Security Policy Development:
Ability to contribute to the development and enforcement of security policies and procedures related to digital certificates, cryptographic keys, and PKI. - Compliance Management:
Familiarity with industry regulations, compliance requirements, and security frameworks governing digital certificates and PKI. - Risk Assessment:
Ability to conduct risk assessments related to CA systems and cryptographic infrastructure, identifying vulnerabilities and proposing mitigation strategies. - Incident Response:
Experience in developing and implementing incident response plans for security incidents involving digital certificates and cryptographic keys. - Continuous Improvement:
Ability to identify areas for continuous improvement in CA systems and cryptographic infrastructure, implementing enhancements and updates as needed.
Soft Skills
- Communication skills – Clear and effective communication is essential for conveying complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Collaboration and Teamwork – Ability to work well in a team and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including cybersecurity professionals, IT teams, and vendors.
- Adaptability – Flexibility and adaptability to navigate evolving security landscapes, emerging technologies, and changing organizational needs.
- Critical Thinking – Critical thinking skills to assess and analyze complex security issues and make informed decisions.
Experience:
- In-depth knowledge and practical experience with Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) principles, including certificate hierarchies, certificate policies, and certificate revocation lists
- Previous experience in a senior engineering or leadership role within cybersecurity or information security
- Proven experience in designing, implementing, and managing Certificate Authority systems, overseeing the issuance, renewal, and revocation of digital certificates
- Extensive experience in managing cryptographic key lifecycles, including key generation, distribution, rotation, and secure retirement
- Proven ability to conduct risk assessments related to CA systems and cryptographic infrastructure, identifying vulnerabilities and proposing mitigation strategies
- Hands-on experience in developing and implementing incident response plans for security incidents involving digital certificates and cryptographic keys
