Senior Cryptocurrency Engineer

Nava; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous medical insurance for self &‑

Company paid dental insurance

Life and AD&D Insurance

401k with generous match

Tuition and training reimbursement

Paid leave and holidays

Job summary

AnaVation is seeking a Senior Cryptocurrency Engineer to lead blockchain analytics and cyber-enabled financial investigations. You will shape analytic strategy and mentor others, applying advanced skills to complex cases and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams.

Remote work is primary with occasional onsite visits to DC/Northern Virginia. The role requires experience with blockchain platforms and the ability to handle sensitive investigations in a federal context.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in blockchain engineering, cryptocurrency forensics, or related areas.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with cryptocurrency analyses in federal investigations.
• Experience with blockchain analysis platforms (Chainalysis Reactor, TRM Labs, CipherTrace, or similar).
• Proficiency with smart contracts, Solidity, EVM internals, and blockchain APIs.
• Ability to perform open-source intelligence research and analyze investigative datasets.
• Strong understanding of illicit-finance typologies and laundering mechanisms.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Eligibility for TS/SCI clearance; DHS EOD suitability is required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct blockchain analysis and cryptocurrency tracing across Bitcoin, EVM chains, privacy coins, and DeFi platforms.
• Develop algorithms and analytic workflows supporting seizure warrants and forensic audits.
• Analyze smart contracts, Solidity bytecode, token behavior, and anonymization techniques.
• Conduct financial‑cyber investigations using complex transaction data.
• Identify cyber-enabled criminal networks and threat‑finance structures.
• Evaluate emerging payment technologies for criminal exploitation risk.
• Research cybercrime methods and money-laundering typologies.
• Produce detailed investigative reports and finished intelligence products.
• Collaborate with cyber, forensic, and financial-crime teams on investigations.

Skills

Blockchain analysis

Forensic investigations

Open-source intelligence

Written and verbal communication

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Cybersecurity/Data Science

Related field degree

Tools

Chainalysis Reactor

TRM Labs

CipherTrace

Smart contracts / Solidity tools

Job description

Be Challenged and Make a Difference

In a world of technology, people make the difference. We believe if we invest in great people, then great things will happen. At AnaVation, we provide unmatched value to our customers and employees through innovative solutions and an engaging culture.

Description of Tasks to be Performed:

As the Senior Cryptocurrency Engineer, you will serve as the primary technical authority for blockchain analysis, digital‑asset tracing, cyber‑enabled financial investigations, and cryptocurrency‑related criminal cases. You will apply your advanced analytical expertise and subject‑matter knowledge to evaluate complex blockchain ecosystems, decentralized‑finance platforms, and illicit‑finance activity.

Within your mission team, you will lead the technical direction of blockchain and digital‑asset investigations, working alongside forensic SMEs and developers to integrate cryptocurrency intelligence into broader investigative and cyber‑operations workflows.

You will design and build investigative tools, perform high‑confidence tracing operations, and assess emerging payment technologies to identify criminal exploitation patterns. You will advise investigators and mission partners on blockchain artifacts, digital‑asset seizure procedures, and proper chain‑of‑custody for decentralized evidence.

Drawing on your substantial experience, you will independently plan and execute technical goals, shape analytic and investigative strategy, and provide mentorship or guidance to others when needed.

Work location:

Work location: Work is mostly remote, with occasional visits to customer and/or corporate locations in DC/Northern Virginia. Applicants who do not currently reside within commuting distance to these locations should describe how they would satisfy any onsite requirements. Remote status is subject to change at the customer’s direction, but is expected to continue.

Responsibilities

• Conduct blockchain analysis and cryptocurrency tracing across Bitcoin, EVM chains, privacy coins, DeFi platforms, and cross‑chain ecosystems.
• Develop algorithms, methods, and analytic workflows supporting seizure warrants, forensic audits, and financial‑crime investigations.
• Analyze smart contracts, Solidity bytecode, token behavior, mixing/tumbling activity, anonymity‑enhancing technologies, and illicit‑finance patterns.
• Conduct financial‑cyber investigations using complex business records, transaction flows, and digital‑asset movement patterns.
• Perform cyber target development, including identification and analysis of cyber‑enabled criminal networks, ransomware actors, intrusion sets, and threat‑finance structures.
• Evaluate emerging payment technologies and assess their risk for criminal exploitation or terrorist financing.
• Conduct research and analysis on cybercrime methods, money‑laundering typologies, obfuscation techniques, and cyber‑enabled financial threats.
• Provide analytical and evaluative services to analyze cyber evidence, tools, services, and investigative technologies.
• Conduct cyber‑forensic acquisition, chain‑of‑custody procedures, and digital‑evidence analysis for computers, mobile devices, and storage media.
• Apply investigation techniques to gather, preserve, and present digital evidence suitable for courtroom use.
• Assist with open‑source research, deep‑web/dark‑web analysis, social‑media analysis, electronic evidence review, and intelligence‑driven investigative support.
• Produce detailed investigative reports, analytic products, visualizations, and finished professional intelligence.
• Collaborate with cyber, forensic, financial‑crime, threat‑finance, and intelligence teams to support major federal investigations.
• Research emerging blockchain technologies, privacy solutions, exploit techniques, and evolving crypto‑criminal methodologies.
• Develop, deliver, and lead formal training events for government and cross‑agency partners.

Required Qualifications:

• 5 years of experience in blockchain engineering, cryptocurrency forensics, digital‑asset security, cyber‑enabled financial investigations, or related areas.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, or related field.
• Hands‑on experience conducting cryptocurrency analyses in support of federal investigations and prosecutions.
• Experience with one or more blockchain analysis platforms (Chainalysis Reactor, TRM Labs, CipherTrace, or similar).
• Proficiency with one or more of smart contracts, Solidity, EVM internals, and blockchain APIs.
• Ability to conduct research using open‑source intelligence, domestic/international databases, corporate filings, and investigative datasets.
• Strong understanding of illicit‑finance typologies, obfuscation and anonymization methods, and laundering mechanisms.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to produce formal investigative products.
• Candidates must meet eligibility requirements for a TS/SCI clearance. DHS Entry on Duty (EOD) suitability is required to begin support. Following EOD approval, candidates will be processed for, and must successfully obtain SCI.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field
• Chainalysis Reactor Certification, TRM Forensics Certification, Certified Blockchain Professional (CBP), or equivalent.
• GIAC cybersecurity certifications (Security+, GCIA, GCED beneficial).
• Experience conducting technical/data analysis and tracing of cryptocurrency transactions through cyber/crypto data platforms.
• Experience producing all‑source, cybersecurity, or threat‑finance finished intelligence products.
• Experience in financial‑services environments, including compliance, asset management, wealth management, securities, or banking operations.
• Process‑improvement or reengineering experience supporting modernization of investigative workflows.
• Active DHS EOD suitability

Benefits

• Generous cost sharing for medical insurance for the employee and dependents
• 100% company paid dental insurance for employees and dependents
• 100% company paid long-term and short-term disability insurance
• 100% company paid vision insurance for employees and dependents
• 401k plan with generous match and 100% immediate vesting
• Competitive Pay
• Generous paid leave and holiday package
• Tuition and training reimbursement
• Life and AD&D Insurance

AnaVation

AnaVation is the leader in solving the most complex technical challenges for collection and processing in the U.S. Federal Intelligence Community. We are a US owned company headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia. We deliver groundbreaking research with advanced software and systems engineering that provides an information advantage to contribute to the mission and operational success of our customers. We offer complex challenges, a top-notch work environment, and a world-class, collaborative team.

If you want to grow your career and make a difference while doing it, AnaVation is the perfect fit for you!

AnaVation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.