About Applied Quantum
Applied Quantum is a company specializing in safeguarding organizations against emerging quantum computing threats. We provide advanced quantum-safe security solutions – from post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and quantum key distribution (QKD) to crypto-agility strategies – to help our clients achieve resilience in the quantum era. Our team of experts in cybersecurity, cryptography, and quantum technology works at the forefront of the quantum security revolution, ensuring businesses, critical infrastructure, and governments stay secure as quantum technology evolves.
Job Summary
Secure Quantum is seeking a seasoned Quantum Security Architect to help our clients design and implement security architectures that can withstand the threats of both today and tomorrow. In this role, you will assess clients’ existing security postures and create end-to-end architectural designs that incorporate quantum-safe measures. You will recommend and guide the deployment of post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, quantum-safe network protocols, advanced key management solutions, and other controls needed for quantum resilience. Acting as a trusted advisor, you will work closely with client IT architects, security teams, and our internal experts to ensure that theoretical advances in quantum security are translated into practical, effective security architectures.
Key Responsibilities
- Current State Assessment: Evaluate clients’ current security architecture across systems, networks, applications, and data. Identify components (such as PKI systems, VPNs, authentication mechanisms, data encryption solutions) that rely on cryptography vulnerable to quantum attacks, or any architectural gaps that could be exploited in a post-quantum threat scenario.
- Architecture Design: Develop comprehensive security architecture blueprints that integrate quantum-safe technologies. This could include specifying the use of NIST-approved post-quantum algorithms in cryptographic systems, recommending quantum-safe VPNs or secure communication channels, designing robust key management and rotation policies (e.g., involving quantum random number generation), and ensuring crypto-agility (architectures able to swap out algorithms easily as standards evolve).
- Technical Oversight: Lead technical discussions and design reviews to ensure the proposed architecture is understood and feasible. Guide implementation teams in executing the architecture: for instance, assist in configuring systems to use new cryptographic libraries, setting up new certificate authorities for PQC, or re-architecting identity and access management solutions for compliance with quantum-safe principles.
- Integration & Testing: Ensure that new components integrate smoothly with existing infrastructure. Develop testing plans to validate that security controls perform as expected under the new architecture (for example, testing that systems interoperate with PQC-enabled protocols without performance degradation or failures). Adjust designs as needed based on pilot or test findings.
- Documentation & Standards: Document the architecture in detail (diagrams, data flows, component descriptions, control specifications) and create architecture guidelines or reference documents for the client’s future use. Align documentation with any relevant security framework or standards (such as SABSA, NIST CSF, ISO 27001) to help clients maintain compliance and governance.
- Client Collaboration: Work hand-in-hand with client stakeholders throughout the process, from CIOs and CISOs who need to understand the high-level vision, to engineers and developers who will implement the details. Provide expert advice and answer questions to ensure buy-in and knowledge transfer. Possibly participate in client’s architecture boards or security committees as an external expert when quantum-related topics are discussed.
- Innovation & Research: Keep Secure Quantum’s methodologies at the cutting edge by staying informed on new developments in both quantum computing and cybersecurity. Prototype or explore new tools (like emerging PQC algorithms, or hybrid classical-quantum security models) and incorporate relevant advancements into future architecture proposals. Contribute to thought leadership (white papers, webinars) to establish best practices in quantum-safe security architecture.
Qualifications
- Experience: 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity architecture, security engineering, or related roles. Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing enterprise-scale security architectures. Experience with cryptographic systems (PKI, SSL/TLS implementations, identity management systems, etc.) is essential.
- Cryptography Background: Strong understanding of cryptographic principles, protocols, and standards. Hands-on experience with implementing or managing cryptographic solutions (such as certificate management, VPN setups, encryption of data at rest and in transit). Familiarity with post-quantum cryptography concepts and algorithms (even if not implemented yet) is expected; enthusiasm to deepen this expertise is required.
- Technical Breadth: Broad knowledge of IT infrastructure and security controls – including network security (firewalls, IDS/IPS, zero trust networks), cloud security architectures, application security, and data protection. Able to see the “big picture” of how various systems interconnect securely.
- Leadership & Communication: Excellent communication skills to articulate complex architecture plans to diverse audiences. Experience leading technical teams or being the go-to authority on architecture projects. Ability to mentor and guide engineers and analysts. Comfortable drafting high-level strategy documents as well as diving into configuration specifics when necessary.
- Problem-Solving: Aptitude for strategic thinking and problem-solving. Capable of balancing ideal security designs with practical implementation constraints (legacy systems, performance, budget). Creative in finding solutions that achieve security goals incrementally if a “big bang” overhaul isn’t feasible.
- Education & Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred). Relevant certifications such as CISSP (especially CISSP-ISSAP for architecture), SABSA, TOGAF, or cloud security certifications (AWS/Azure security architect) are highly valued.
- Continuous Learner: Given the fast-evolving nature of quantum tech, a demonstrated ability to continuously learn and adapt to new technologies is critical. Contributions to professional communities or published work on security architecture or cryptography will be seen as a plus.
What We Offer
- Leadership Role: A strategic, impactful role where you will lead the design of security solutions that could set industry standards for years to come.
- Top-Tier Team: Collaboration with some of the brightest minds in quantum computing and cybersecurity. An environment where architecture and innovation go hand-in-hand, and where your designs will be supported by deep technical research and expertise.
- Rewarding Compensation: A highly competitive salary and benefits package, reflective of the importance of this position. Includes health benefits, retirement plans, and potential equity or performance bonuses for exceptional contribution.
- Flexible Work Environment: Flexibility in work arrangements, with options for remote work and autonomy in managing your schedule, while still meeting client needs. Opportunities to visit client sites globally to get hands-on context for your architecture designs.
- Thought Leadership Opportunities: We encourage our Security Architects to publish, speak, and lead – whether at conferences, in standards bodies, or in media. Secure Quantum will support you in becoming a recognized thought leader in quantum-safe security architecture.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced security architect who is excited by the challenge of designing the next generation of secure systems for the quantum era, we want to hear from you. Please submit your resume along with a cover letter describing your relevant architecture experience and your perspective on why quantum-safe architecture is important. Feel free to include or link to any architecture diagrams or documents you have created (if not confidential) that showcase your work.
Join Applied Quantum and build the foundations of tomorrow’s secure digital world – ensuring that as technology leaps forward, security is right there with it by design.
