Security Specialist - Post Quantum Cryptography

Client 1; Canberra; On-site; AUD 166,000 - 221,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fed Govt project

National security work

Growth in Essentials Eight

Senior stakeholder exposure

Job summary

Cleared is partnering with a Federal Government department to appoint a Security Specialist based in Canberra. The role focuses on driving Essential Eight maturity uplift and post-quantum cryptography transition activities within a complex government environment.

You will work with technical and business stakeholders to identify security risks, assess maturity, develop transition strategies and support PSPF reporting obligations.

Qualifications

• Desirable: CISSP or equivalent industry-recognised cyber security certification.
• Tertiary qualifications in Cyber Security or related discipline.
• IRAP Assessor accreditation.
• Experience in Federal Government or regulated environments is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a department-wide stocktake of asymmetric cryptography and identify risks.
• Develop and maintain a Post-Quantum Cryptography Transition Plan aligned with ACSC guidance and PSPF requirements.
• Engage stakeholders across multiple capability areas to assess and document Essential Eight maturity levels.
• Drive and coordinate Essential Eight uplift activities across technical environments.
• Develop an Essential Eight Transition to Essentials Plan.
• Monitor uplift and transition progress and provide reporting inputs for PSPF compliance activities.
• Identify security risks and provide recommendations to stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Prepare and maintain security documentation, assessments and artefacts.

Skills

IT Security

Cyber Security

Security Architecture

Essential Eight

Post-Quantum Crypto

Stakeholder Engagement

Regulated Environments

Education

Cyber Security degree

IRAP Assessor

CISSP Certification

Job description

Security Specialist
Location: Canberra, ACT
Working Arrangement: Onsite
Clearance Required: Positive Vetting (TSPV)
Employment Type: Contract
Estimated Start: January 2027

Company Overview

Cleared is partnering with a Federal Government department seeking an experienced Security Specialist to lead critical cyber security initiatives focused on Essential Eight maturity uplift and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) transition activities. This role will play a key part in strengthening the department's security posture, supporting PSPF compliance, and ensuring preparedness for emerging cryptographic risks.

Job Description

An opportunity exists for a highly capable Security Specialist to drive the assessment, planning, coordination and implementation of Essential Eight maturity improvements and post-quantum cryptography transition initiatives across a complex government environment.

You will work closely with technical and business stakeholders to identify security risks, assess current maturity levels, develop transition strategies, and support PSPF reporting obligations. This role suits a cyber security professional with strong security architecture, assurance, governance or consulting experience and a deep understanding of Essential Eight and emerging cryptographic requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct a department-wide stocktake of asymmetric cryptography and identify associated risks.
• Develop and maintain a Post-Quantum Cryptography Transition Plan aligned with ACSC guidance and PSPF requirements.
• Engage stakeholders across multiple capability areas to assess and document Essential Eight maturity levels.
• Drive and coordinate Essential Eight uplift activities across technical environments.
• Develop an Essential Eight Transition to Essentials Plan.
• Monitor uplift and transition progress and provide reporting inputs for PSPF compliance activities.
• Identify security risks and provide recommendations to stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Prepare and maintain security documentation, assessments and artefacts.

Education / Certifications Required

Desirable:

• CISSP or equivalent industry-recognised cyber security certification.
• Tertiary qualifications in Cyber Security or related discipline.
• IRAP Assessor accreditation.

Knowledge / Skills Required

• Minimum 5 years' experience in IT Security, Cyber Security or Security Architecture.
• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining security artefacts and documentation.
• Strong understanding of Essential Eight maturity assessments and uplift programs.
• Experience providing strategic cyber security guidance to support organisational decision-making.
• Knowledge of pre-quantum and post-quantum cryptography concepts, planning and risk management.
• Familiarity with the LATICE framework and post-quantum transition planning.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience working within Federal Government or regulated environments is highly regarded.

Employment Benefits

• Long-term Federal Government opportunity.
• Work on nationally significant cyber security initiatives.
• Contribute to Essential Eight and post-quantum security programs.
• Engage with senior technical and business stakeholders.
• Opportunity to influence enterprise-wide security strategy and uplift.

Diversity and Inclusion

Cleared and our client are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and supported. Applications from people of all backgrounds are encouraged.

Veterans

Veterans and ex-ADF personnel with relevant cyber security, information assurance, security architecture or ICT security experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

About Cleared

Cleared is Australia's leading specialist recruiter for security-cleared professionals across Defence, National Security and Federal Government. We connect highly skilled cyber security, ICT, intelligence and engineering professionals with organisations delivering critical national capabilities.