Quantum Computing Cryptography Engineer United States - Remote

9th Way Insignia; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 98,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & Dental

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

9th Way Insignia is recruiting for a Quantum Computing/Cryptography Engineer to support VA cybersecurity modernization. You will assess cryptographic inventories, evaluate quantum risks, and develop migration strategies to quantum‑resistant standards.

The role requires collaboration with cross‑functional teams and alignment with NIST PQC guidance. The candidate will work on cryptographic modernization, PQC implementation, and performance considerations across enterprise systems, networks, and

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years IT experience with at least 5 years in Quantum Computing and Cryptography.
• Expertise in quantum mechanics, algorithms (Shor’s, Grover’s), and quantum information theory.
• Expertise in cryptographic protocols and post-quantum cryptography migration.
• Proficiency in Python, C++, and Java for cryptographic engineering.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise in quantum computing, cryptography, and PQC to VA cybersecurity efforts.
• Assess quantum-related risks and crypto inventories across VA systems.
• Develop migration plans to quantum-resistant cryptographic standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align modernization with NIST PQC guidance.

Skills

Quantum computing

Cryptography

Post-Quantum Cryptography

NIST PQC standards

Python

C++

Java

Education

Master’s degree in a related IT field

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Qiskit

Cirq

Quipper

Microsoft Quantum Development Kit

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

We are recruiting for a range of cybersecurity opportunities supporting federal customers, focused on strengthening enterprise security architecture, systems engineering, and the secure implementation of technologies across the environment.

The work involves applying established cybersecurity standards, guidelines, and frameworks to help translate organizational and business requirements into secure, scalable technical solutions. Team members may contribute to security architecture and engineering efforts, implementation guidance, technical analysis, and the development of repeatable approaches that support the consistent deployment and operation of secure technologies across complex enterprise environments.

Systems security engineering is an important component of this work, with an emphasis on incorporating security and stakeholder protection requirements throughout the system development life cycle, from concept and design through development, production, sustainment, and decommissioning. The team will apply established systems engineering and cybersecurity principles to help protect systems, applications, data, and supporting technologies.

Ultimately, this work supports the broader mission to strengthen its cybersecurity posture, reduce organizational risk, and protect critical systems and information from evolving cyber threats, including external adversaries and insider threats.

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 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, FIPS 204, and FIPS 205.
• Evaluate and recommend quantum‑resistant cryptographic algorithms and technologies for use within enterprise systems, applications, networks, cloud environments, data protection solutions, and identity infrastructures.
• Provide subject matter expertise in traditional cryptographic protocols and technologies, including RSA, AES, public-key cryptography, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), encryption, digital signatures, key management, and related security mechanisms.
• Evaluate interoperability, compatibility, implementation complexity, performance, security, and operational impacts associated with replacing or upgrading legacy cryptographic technologies.
• Identify cryptographic dependencies and potential migration challenges across applications, infrastructure, network technologies, cloud platforms, identity systems, security tools, and enterprise services.
• Support the development of crypto‑agile architectures and engineering approaches that enable cryptographic algorithms and technologies to be replaced or upgraded as standards and threats evolve.
• Perform technical analysis, prototyping, modeling, and testing using classical and quantum simulation tools to evaluate quantum algorithms, cryptographic techniques, and potential security impacts.
• Develop, implement, and test cryptographic algorithms and related engineering solutions using programming languages such as Python, C++, and Java.
• Utilize quantum development languages, frameworks, and platforms such as Qiskit, Cirq, Quipper, and the Microsoft Quantum Development Kit to support research, simulation, testing, and technical analysis.
• Conduct specialized security posture assessments for Post‑Quantum Cryptography and other emerging technologies, documenting risks, vulnerabilities, technology implications, and recommended mitigation strategies.
• Support security architecture reviews and engineering assessments to identify cryptographic weaknesses, architectural gaps, security risks, attack paths, and residual risk associated with existing and proposed systems.
• Develop technical recommendations for mitigating cryptographic vulnerabilities and reducing exposure to “harvest now, decrypt later” and other quantum‑related cybersecurity risks where supported by applicable VA risk assessments and modernization activities.
• Support development of secure solution architectures, security patterns, reference architectures, and engineering guidance incorporating modern and post‑quantum cryptographic protections.
• Ensure cryptographic solutions and modernization recommendations align with applicable Federal security standards, VA security requirements, NIST guidance, and enterprise cybersecurity architecture.
• 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, pilots, engineering working groups, and governance forums requiring cryptography or quantum computing subject matter expertise.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity architects, security engineers, application teams, cloud engineers, DevSecOps personnel, network engineers, identity teams, program managers, and Government stakeholders to coordinate cryptographic modernization and PQC migration activities.
• Communicate complex quantum computing and cryptographic risks in clear business and mission terms to technical teams, program leadership, and non-technical executives.
• Develop technical assessments, white papers, implementation recommendations, risk analyses, briefings, and presentations addressing quantum risk, cryptographic posture, migration readiness, and modernization priorities.
• Track emerging quantum‑computing capabilities, cryptographic technologies, and evolving standards to identify potential impacts to the VA enterprise and recommend appropriate engineering or modernization actions.
• Support project and lifecycle management activities associated with cryptographic modernization, including requirements development, configuration management, risk tracking, implementation planning, and transition sequencing.
• Core Role Focus
• May require occasional on-site visits

Requirements

• Minimum of10yearsITexperienceof which at least5years are ofQuantum Computing and Cryptographyexperience at a large corporation or Government agency similar in size/scope to GSA, IRS,DoDor VA.
• AMaster’sdegree inarelatedITfield may substitute for up to2years of the required experience
• Expertisein quantum mechanics, quantum algorithms (e.g., Shor’s algorithm, Grover’s algorithm), and quantum information theory.
• Expertisein quantum programming languages and frameworks such asQiskit(IBM), Cirq (Google),Quipper, and Microsoft Quantum Development Kit
• Expertisein cryptographic protocols (e.g., RSA, AES) and principles of public-key infrastructure (PKI).
• Expertise inpost-quantum cryptography and quantum-resistant algorithms.
• Expertisein existing cryptographic standards and frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO/IEC 19790).
• Proficiencyin programming languages such as Python, C++, and Java for implementing and testing cryptographic algorithms.
• Expertisewith classical and quantum simulation tools.
• Expertiseworking with and advising on quantum-resistant algorithm migration plans and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) implementation strategies.Expertiseassessing organizational cryptographic inventory andidentifyingmigration priorities.Expertisecollaborating with cross-functional teams to communicate quantum risk to non-technical leadership. Experience providing policy andguidance inputs for cryptographic modernization aligned with NIST PQC standards (FIPS 203, 204, 205).
• Expertisein project management or working in a project-oriented environment, with an understanding of how configuration management fits into the overall project lifecyclewithin a large corporation and Government agency similar in size/scope to GSA, IRS,DoDor VA.
• Bachelor’s degree inBusiness Administration, Business Management, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Assurance, Information Security, Information Resource Management, or related fields.
• CASP+ (SecurityX), CCISO, CISA, CISM, CISSP, CISSP-ISSAP, CISSP-ISSEP, GCED, GCIH, GSLC, CCNP Security

Salary Range

$98,135.18 - $162,454.62 USD

9thWay Insignia’s range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Clearance/Background Investigation

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

Benefits

Eligible employees will have access to our comprehensive benefits package which includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Voluntary Life Insurance, 401(k), Basic Life A&D, STD, LTD, PTO, Telehealth, paid holidays, FSA, HSA. Additional resources include our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Traveling Assistance.

Legal

We’re an equal employment opportunity employer that empowers our people to fearlessly drive change – no matter their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, or related medical conditions), national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.