[Hiring] Quantum Computing Cryptography Engineer @9th Way Insignia

Role Description

9th Way Insignia is looking for an Engineer, 3, Quantum Computing/Cryptography Engineer to join the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Cybersecurity Operations Systems Engineering (COSE) project. This role provides specialized engineering and technical expertise in quantum computing, cryptography, post-quantum cryptography (PQC), and cryptographic modernization.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise in quantum computing, quantum information science, cryptography, and post-quantum cryptography to support VA cybersecurity architecture and engineering initiatives.
• Analyze the potential cybersecurity impact of quantum computing technologies on existing VA systems, applications, infrastructure, data protections, and cryptographic implementations.
• Apply knowledge of quantum mechanics, quantum information theory, and quantum algorithms to evaluate current and emerging cryptographic risks.
• Assess existing cryptographic implementations, protocols, algorithms, certificates, keys, and supporting technologies to identify vulnerabilities.
• Develop and maintain an enterprise cryptographic inventory identifying cryptographic algorithms, protocols, implementations, dependencies, technologies, and systems across the VA environment.
• Analyze the cryptographic inventory and establish risk-based migration priorities.
• Develop and maintain Cryptographic Inventory and Migration Plans.
• Provide technical guidance for cryptographic modernization aligned with applicable NIST post-quantum cryptography standards.
• Evaluate and recommend quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms and technologies.
• Provide subject matter expertise in traditional cryptographic protocols and technologies.
• Evaluate interoperability, compatibility, implementation complexity, performance, security, and operational impacts associated with replacing or upgrading legacy cryptographic technologies.
• Support the development of crypto-agile architectures and engineering approaches.
• Perform technical analysis, prototyping, modeling, and testing using classical and quantum simulation tools.
• Develop, implement, and test cryptographic algorithms and related engineering solutions using programming languages.
• Utilize quantum development languages and frameworks to support research, simulation, testing, and technical analysis.
• Conduct specialized security posture assessments for Post-Quantum Cryptography.
• Support security architecture reviews and engineering assessments.
• Develop technical recommendations for mitigating cryptographic vulnerabilities.
• Support development of secure solution architectures, security patterns, reference architectures, and engineering guidance.
• Provide technical input into VA security policies, engineering standards, cryptographic guidance, modernization plans, and governance documentation.
• Participate in technical design reviews, architecture reviews, modernization initiatives, and governance forums.
• Collaborate with various teams to coordinate cryptographic modernization and PQC migration activities.
• Communicate complex quantum computing and cryptographic risks to technical teams and leadership.
• Develop technical assessments, white papers, implementation recommendations, risk analyses, briefings, and presentations.
• Track emerging quantum-computing capabilities and recommend appropriate engineering or modernization actions.
• Support project and lifecycle management activities associated with cryptographic modernization.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years IT experience, with at least 5 years in Quantum Computing and Cryptography.
• A Master’s degree in a related IT field may substitute for up to 2 years of the required experience.
• Expertise in quantum mechanics, quantum algorithms, and quantum information theory.
• Expertise in quantum programming languages and frameworks.
• Expertise in cryptographic protocols and principles of public-key infrastructure (PKI).
• Expertise in post-quantum cryptography and quantum-resistant algorithms.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, and Java.
• Expertise with classical and quantum simulation tools.
• Expertise in project management or working in a project-oriented environment.

Requirements

• Expertise in existing cryptographic standards and frameworks.
• Expertise in assessing organizational cryptographic inventory and identifying migration priorities.
• Expertise collaborating with cross-functional teams to communicate quantum risk to non-technical leadership.
• Experience providing policy and guidance inputs for cryptographic modernization aligned with NIST PQC standards.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Voluntary Life Insurance.
• 401(k), Basic Life A&D, STD, LTD.
• PTO, Telehealth, paid holidays.
• FSA, HSA.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Traveling Assistance.

Salary Range

$98,135.18 — $162,454.62 USD

Clearance/Background Investigation

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Legal

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