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
We are seeking a skilled Crypto-Agility Solutions Engineer to design and implement systems that make cryptographic infrastructures flexible and upgradable. In this role, you will focus on building frameworks and tools that allow organizations to switch out cryptographic algorithms (for example, swapping a classical algorithm for a post-quantum algorithm) with minimal disruption. You will develop hybrid cryptographic solutions that combine traditional and quantum-resistant algorithms to protect data during the transition period to full quantum safety. This is a hands-on technical role where you’ll work closely with our cryptographers and client development teams to embed crypto-agility into software applications, enterprise systems, and processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Framework Development: Design and develop crypto-agility frameworks and libraries that support multiple cryptographic algorithms. For instance, build or extend an abstraction layer so that an application can use RSA today and easily switch to a PQC algorithm like CRYSTALS-Dilithium or Kyber tomorrow without major code changes.
- Hybrid Cryptography Solutions: Implement hybrid encryption and signing solutions that use a combination of classical and post-quantum algorithms simultaneously. Ensure that these hybrid solutions are efficient and easy to deploy, providing security even if one component is later broken by quantum attacks.
- Integration: Work with client software engineering teams to integrate crypto-agility principles into their products and systems. This might involve modifying key management processes, updating APIs to allow algorithm selection, or containerizing cryptographic services so they can be replaced or updated independently.
- Automation & Tooling: Develop tools or scripts to automate cryptographic updates across an enterprise. For example, scripting the bulk generation and deployment of new cryptographic keys or certificates when an algorithm change is required, or automating testing to verify that a system works with a new set of cryptographic primitives.
- Testing & Validation: Rigorously test crypto-agile solutions under various scenarios. Ensure that switching algorithms does not introduce regressions or vulnerabilities. Validate performance impacts of new algorithms and work on optimizations (e.g., ensuring post-quantum algorithms run efficiently and identifying hardware acceleration opportunities).
- Documentation & Training: Document the design and usage of the crypto-agility solutions you develop. Create guides or run training sessions for developers and DevOps engineers on how to utilize the frameworks and tools for maintaining and updating cryptographic components.
- Collaboration: Collaborate closely with Secure Quantum’s cryptography researchers to understand upcoming algorithm standards and with security architects to ensure that solutions align with the broader security architecture. Provide engineering insight during client engagements to help plan realistic roadmaps for rolling out crypto-agility improvements.
Qualifications
- Software Engineering Expertise: 5+ years of experience in software development or security engineering. Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, C/C++, or Java. Experience with developing libraries or frameworks (especially related to security or cryptography) is highly desirable.
- Cryptography Knowledge: Solid understanding of cryptographic concepts and experience working with cryptographic libraries (OpenSSL, Bouncy Castle, libsodium, etc.). Familiarity with both symmetric and asymmetric algorithms, and a conceptual understanding of newer post-quantum algorithms.
- System Design: Experience in designing modular and maintainable systems or frameworks. Knowledge of API design and software architecture principles is important, as the solutions you build will be used by other developers.
- DevOps and Automation: Experience with DevOps practices and automation tools. Comfortable writing scripts for automation (Bash, Python, etc.) and using CI/CD pipelines. Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and deploying enterprise software changes at scale is a plus.
- Adaptability: A demonstrated ability to quickly learn and implement new technologies or algorithms. Crypto-agility is a fast-evolving space – enthusiasm for continuous learning and experimentation is a must.
- Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to troubleshoot issues that arise when integrating new cryptographic methods into existing systems. Creative mindset to find solutions that minimize the impact of changes on end-users and business operations.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field. A Master’s degree or coursework in Information Security or Cryptography is a plus but not required. Certifications like CSSLP (Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional) or GIAC certifications in code security could be beneficial.
What We Offer
- Innovation-Driven Projects: Work on pioneering projects that directly contribute to making businesses more secure and adaptable. Your work will have a tangible impact on how organizations protect their data in the long run.
- Talented Team: Join a highly skilled team of engineers and cryptographers who are passionate about solving complex security problems. Collaborative environment with knowledge-sharing and mentorship opportunities.
- Competitive Salary & Benefits: Receive a competitive compensation package, including performance bonuses for successful project outcomes, along with health, dental, and retirement benefits.
- Work Flexibility: Enjoy flexible working hours and the possibility of remote work. We focus on results, so we support you in working in the environment where you are most productive.
- Growth Opportunities: We invest in our team’s growth. Whether it’s attending a conference on post-quantum cryptography, taking a course on secure coding practices, or obtaining certifications, we support continuous learning and career development.
How to Apply
If you are a creative engineer with a strong foundation in software and an interest in cryptography, and you’re excited about building systems that can adapt to whatever the future holds, we’d love to hear from you. Please send us your resume and a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience in software development and any work you’ve done with cryptography or security. Feel free to include links to code samples or projects (GitHub, etc.) that showcase your abilities.
Join Applied Quantum and help our clients stay one step ahead – building security systems that are as dynamic and resilient as the threats they guard against.
