Quantum Computing / Cryptography Engineer

Responsibilities

• Lead assessments of organizational cryptographic systems and identify risks associated with quantum computing advances.
• Develop quantum-resilient security strategies and migration roadmaps aligned with federal cybersecurity requirements.
• Research, evaluate, and implement post-quantum cryptography solutions and quantum-resistant algorithms.
• Advise stakeholders on quantum computing impacts to enterprise security architectures.
• Conduct cryptographic inventory assessments and prioritize systems for modernization and migration.
• Evaluate emerging cryptographic standards and frameworks, including NIST post-quantum cryptography standards.
• Design and test cryptographic solutions using classical and quantum simulation tools.
• Provide technical guidance on quantum-safe encryption, key management, and PKI solutions.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, software engineering, data science, and infrastructure teams.
• Support policy development, governance, strategic planning, architecture reviews, and program activities related to cryptographic modernization.
• Prepare technical reports, executive briefings, and risk assessments for government stakeholders and leadership.
• Participate in technical working groups and support program-related meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagements.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of Information Technology experience.
• At least 5 years of quantum computing and cryptography experience supporting large corporations or comparable federal agencies.
• Experience with cryptographic modernization, enterprise security initiatives, emerging quantum technologies, implementation strategies, and large-scale technology initiatives.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, business management, cybersecurity, computer science, information systems, information assurance, information security, information resource management, or a related discipline.
• One or more IAT Level III, IAM Level III, or IASAE Level III certifications.
• Strong understanding of quantum mechanics, quantum information theory, quantum computing principles, and quantum algorithms including Shor's and Grover's algorithms.
• Hands-on experience with quantum development platforms and frameworks such as IBM Qiskit, Google Cirq, Quipper, and Microsoft Quantum Development Kit.
• Extensive knowledge of RSA, AES, PKI, post-quantum cryptography, quantum-resistant algorithms, cryptographic modernization, NIST standards, ISO/IEC 19790, and FIPS 203, FIPS 204, and FIPS 205.
• Proficiency in Python, C++, Java, or similar programming languages for implementing and testing cryptographic solutions.
• Experience with classical and quantum simulation environments, cryptographic inventories, migration strategies, policy recommendations, and technical guidance.
• Strong communication, project management, and organizational skills for working with executive leadership, nontechnical audiences, and structured program environments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Tier 4 / High Risk Background Investigation.

Benefits

• Full-time remote position supporting Eastern Time Zone operations.
• Normal federal government workdays with responsiveness required during 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time core business hours.
• Routine onsite support is not anticipated, though meetings may occur at the Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office in Washington, DC.
• Approximately two program-related trips per year, totaling seven trips over the life of the contract.
• Opportunity to influence enterprise-wide security modernization efforts supporting critical federal missions.