Quantum Computing Cryptography Engineer

9thwayinsignia; United States; On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

9th Way Insignia seeks an Engineer, 3 in Quantum Computing/Cryptography to join the VA COSE program. You will contribute to cryptographic modernization, assess PQC strategies, and develop migration plans for secure, quantum-resistant VA systems.

The engineer applies knowledge of quantum information science and cryptography to evaluate risks, inventories, and protocols, delivering architecture guidance and secure solutions for government-scale priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized engineering and technical expertise in quantum computing, cryptography, post-quantum cryptography (PQC), and cryptographic modernization in support of the VA COSE program.
• Assess existing cryptographic technologies, evaluate quantum-related cybersecurity risks, and develop strategies for transitioning VA systems and applications to secure, quantum-resistant cryptographic standards.
• 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 based on mission criticality, data sensitivity, cryptographic exposure, technology dependencies, and emerging quantum threats.

Job description

9th Way Insignia is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business bringing transformative technology to our government customers so they can achieve their missions. Our specialties include cybersecurity, cloud modernization, software development, data analytics, enterprise architecture, enterprise IT, analytics, process automation, and artificial intelligence. Learn more about 9th Way Insignia at https://9thwayinsignia.com/.

Team (Project) Introduction

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Cybersecurity Operations Systems Engineering (COSE) project serves as an overarching technical engine that unifies Architecture and Engineering Services throughout the VA Enterprise. This program implements cohesive organizational security architecture and underlying engineering components that utilize national security standards, guidelines, and frameworks. COSE bridges the gap between high-level business requirements and technical structures, enabling the consistent deployment of secure technologies through implementation guidance and the establishment of an analytic library. Systems security engineering within COSE contributes a holistic perspective to the systems engineering effort, ensuring that stakeholder protection needs are addressed throughout the entire system life cycle from concept and development to production, support, and decommissioning. By drawing upon well-established systems engineering and security principles, COSE adapts and supplements practices to protect intellectual property, data, and the methods used to create VA systems. These activities improve the security posture of VA applications to prevent, deter, or detract from cyberattacks by nefarious adversaries or insider threats.

9 th Way Insignia is looking for an Engineer, 3, Quantum Computing/Cryptography Engineer to join this team.

Professional Level Information:

An Engineer, 3 typically plans and directs research or development work on complex projects, along with engaging various parties in design and development. Costs and recommendations of new components may also involve part of the job scope. Performs multiple engineering-related tasks in various assignments within the project and firm. An Engineer, 3 oversees the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical products and systems. An Engineer, 3 has broad knowledge of engineering procedures and assists in the resolution of complex problems. An Engineer, 3 has strong technical skills and background, a knack for learning new technologies, and a blend of good problem-solving and innovation needed to resolve a wide variety of technical production challenges.

Functional Job (LCAT) Information:

The Quantum Computing/Cryptography Engineer will provide specialized engineering and technical expertise in quantum computing, cryptography, post-quantum cryptography (PQC), and cryptographic modernization in support of the VA COSE program. The engineer will assess existing cryptographic technologies, evaluate quantum-related cybersecurity risks, and develop strategies for transitioning VA systems and applications to secure, quantum-resistant cryptographic standards.

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, including algorithms such as Shor's and Grover's algorithms, to evaluate current and emerging cryptographic risks.
• Assess existing cryptographic implementations, protocols, algorithms, certificates, keys, and supporting technologies to identify systems that may be vulnerable to current or future quantum-enabled threats.
• 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 based on mission criticality, data sensitivity, cryptographic exposure, technology dependencies, and emerging quantum threats.
• Develop and maintain Cryptographic Inventory and Migration Plans defining strategies, timelines, sequencing, and priorities for transitioning VA systems to approved cryptographic standards, including post-quantum cryptography where applicable.
• Develop and recommend Post-Quantum Cryptography migration strategies that enable the VA to transition from existing cryptographic approaches to quantum-resistant algorithms in a controlled and secure manner.
• Provide technical guidance for cryptographic modernization aligned with applicable NIST post-quantum cryptography standards, including FIPS 203, FI