Cryptography Engineer

Cryptography Engineer at Valiant Solutions

Valiant Solutions is actively seeking a Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Engineer to enhance our rapidly expanding and innovative cybersecurity team. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a groundbreaking federal cybersecurity modernization effort from its inception.

The Cryptography Engineer will be instrumental in designing and delivering the Department's first enterprise-wide PQC solution. You will work closely with senior government stakeholders, guiding the technical journey from concept to deployment. Responsibilities include shaping requirements, evaluating tools, designing solution architecture, and driving implementation. This position provides a rare chance to influence the federal government's transition to quantum-resilient encryption, advancing capabilities such as Automated Cryptographic Discovery and Inventory (ACDI) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) modernization, in compliance with the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act. The ideal candidate will combine strong engineering skills with a strategic vision, helping to build, integrate, and operationalize next-generation cryptographic protections for the post-quantum era.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience performing engineering, technical, or program execution functions.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum certification: CISSP (or willingness to obtain within 3 months).
• Strong technical expertise in systems security engineering.
• Knowledge and practical experience with one or more of the following:
• Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) engineering and implementation.
• Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) design, integration, and management.
• Automated Cryptographic Discovery and Inventory (ACDI) technologies.
• Understanding of risks associated with PQC, PKI, and ACDI (technical, schedule, integration, etc.).
• Proficiency in engineering documentation, technical standards, and compliance with federal guidance.
• Experience supporting security compliance, risk management, and RMF (NIST SP 800-53).
• Excellent communication skills for working with government stakeholders, cross-functional teams, and technical groups.

Key Responsibilities

PQC Solution Engineering

• Provide engineering and technical expertise in PQC, PKI, and ACDI implementation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define and refine PQC solution requirements.
• Deliver analyses, recommendations, and staffing support for PQC program goals.
• Develop engineering, implementation, and operations technical documents, schedules, and roadmaps.
• Support modernization of cryptographic inventory management to automated processes using COTS/GOTS ACDI tools.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and provide recommendations to leadership.

PQC Solution Implementation

• Implement and operationalize the client's PQC technical solution in line with Department requirements.
• Deploy ACDI capabilities to generate cryptographic inventories of quantum-vulnerable systems.
• Conduct and document post-implementation evaluations to validate PQC solution effectiveness.
• Securely integrate PQC and ACDI with existing Department services (CDM, VM, Zero Trust, etc.).
• Prototype and test NIST-approved PQC algorithms and discovery tools.
• Install and configure hardware/software replacements and upgrades for PQC transition.

PQC Solution Operations & Support

• Provide operations and maintenance (O&M) of the PQC solution (COTS, GOTS, SaaS).
• Monitor solution health, performance, and availability; manage patching, upgrades, and optimization.
• Maintain accurate solution inventories, secure configuration baselines, and user account validation.
• Develop operational documentation including SOPs, playbooks, checklists, and user guides.
• Provide after-hours technical support for planned and emergency maintenance.
• Collaborate with SOC and other technical teams on incident response, process optimization, and integration.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Support PQC compliance with FISMA, NIST, and federal cybersecurity mandates.
• Drive Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities, including POA&M management and A&A processes.
• Prepare and maintain system security documentation (SSP, IRP, DRP, BIA, CP, etc.).
• Support audits by providing evidence, coordination, tracking, and corrective actions.
• Ensure ongoing risk management, continuous monitoring, and compliance with privacy and records management requirements.

About Valiant Solutions

Valiant Solutions is a security-focused IT solutions provider with public clients nationwide. Recognized as a fast-growing company and a "Best Place to Work" in the D.C. area, Valiant Solutions prioritizes employee benefits and career development. We are committed to fostering careers while delivering world-class IT solutions and maintaining an excellent work-life balance. Join our thriving team, expand your skills, and contribute to an innovative culture in the fast-paced IT security industry.

Benefits Snapshot (includes, but not limited to)

• Valiant pays 99% of Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage for Full-time Employees.
• Valiant contributes 25% towards Health Coverage for Family and Dependents.
• 100% Paid Short Term Disability and Life Insurance Policy for Full-time Employees.
• 100% Paid Certifications.
• 401K Matching up to 4%.
• Paid Time Off and Paid Federal Holidays.
• Paid Time On: 40 hours to pursue innovation.
• Wellness & Fitness Program.
• Valiant University Online Education and Training Portal.
• Reimbursement for Public Transit and Parking.
• FSA programs for: Medical Costs, Dependent Care, Transit, and Parking.
• Referral Bonuses.

Key skills/competency

• Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)
• Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
• Automated Cryptographic Discovery and Inventory (ACDI)
• Systems Security Engineering
• Risk Management Framework (RMF)
• NIST SP 800-53
• Federal Cybersecurity Mandates
• Solution Architecture Design
• Cybersecurity Compliance
• Technical Documentation