Senior Cryptographer – Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)

Quantum Encryption Defense (QED)

 

Location: Washington, DC / Northern Virginia (Hybrid) | Remote (for cleared candidates)

Clearance: Active TS/SCI preferred

 

About QED

Quantum Encryption Defense (QED) is a leader in post-quantum cybersecurity, delivering end-to-end quantum readiness solutions—from cryptographic discovery and risk assessment to full-scale implementation.

Through strategic partnerships with leading federal integrators, QED supports agencies and enterprises in addressing the “harvest now, decrypt later” threat and meeting NIST and NSA mandates for quantum-resistant encryption.

 

Role Description

We are seeking a Senior Cryptographer with deep experience in national security environments to help lead the transition from classical cryptography to NIST-standardized Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).

This role is designed for professionals coming from organizations such as the NSA, DoD, Intelligence Community, national labs, or federal contractors who have worked on cryptographic systems, standards, or secure architectures at scale.

 

What You Will Do

• Lead implementation of NIST PQC algorithms across federal and enterprise systems

• Advise on and execute CNSA 2.0-aligned cryptographic modernization programs

• Conduct cryptographic discovery, inventory, and risk assessments across complex environments

• Design and implement migration strategies to quantum-resistant architectures

• Integrate PQC into real-world systems (networks, applications, embedded systems, cloud environments)

• Support development of hybrid cryptographic solutions (classical + PQC)

• Provide technical leadership in secure protocol design, key management, and encryption frameworks

• Engage with government stakeholders, CISOs, and mission owners

• Contribute to strategic briefings, white papers, and national-level initiatives

 

Required Background

• Prior experience within NSA, Intelligence Community, DoD, National Labs, or cleared federal programs

• Deep expertise in applied cryptography and secure systems design

• Hands-on familiarity with NIST PQC algorithms:

 – CRYSTALS-Kyber

 – CRYSTALS-Dilithium

 – SPHINCS+

• Strong understanding of:

 – PKI, TLS, key exchange, digital signatures

 – Cryptographic lifecycle management and key infrastructure (HSMs, KMS)

 – Secure communications and data protection architectures

• Experience operating in mission-critical, high-assurance environments

• Active or prior security clearance (TS/SCI strongly preferred)

 

Highly Valued Experience

• Direct involvement in cryptographic standards, evaluation, or policy (NIST, NSA, CNSS)

• Experience with CNSA 2.0 roadmap and federal migration requirements

• Implementation of crypto-agility frameworks across large enterprises

• Background in signals intelligence, information assurance, or cyber operations

• Experience bridging research to operational deployment

 

Why QED

• Work alongside former senior leaders from NSA, U.S. Cyber Command, and national security agencies

• Direct impact on national security and critical infrastructure protection

• Opportunity to shape the U.S. transition to quantum-safe cryptography

• Access to real-world deployments across federal and enterprise environments

• Agile, mission-driven team

 

Compensation

• Competitive base salary: $200,000 – $350,000+ (commensurate with experience and clearance)

• Performance bonuses and long-term incentives

• Flexible structure for consulting or advisory roles

 

How to Apply

Send resume to: yale@vibrint-qed.com