Electricity generation, transmission, and distribution environments rely on operational systems where reliability is mission-critical and cybersecurity work is shaped by stringent operational and regulatory realities. Quantum-safe security in this domain must be engineered carefully across OT/SCADA systems, field device identity, communications, and long asset lifecycles.
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.
Role Summary
As a Quantum-Safe Security Engineer (Electric Utilities - OT/SCADA), you will contribute to programs focused on cryptographic discovery, crypto-agility foundations, and PQC migration readiness across utility OT environments. You will work in highly structured operational contexts and collaborate with OT engineering, security operations, and compliance stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Cryptographic discovery in OT/utility environments:
Identify cryptographic use across OT/SCADA environments, control-center communications, remote access, certificate ecosystems, device identity, and signing practices. Establish ownership and operational constraints for each crypto dependency.
Reliability-first migration planning:
Design migration approaches that respect operational reliability, safety, and downtime windows. Evaluate vendor constraints and develop phased plans aligned to refresh cycles and maintenance schedules.
Crypto-agility architecture:
Build practical crypto-agility patterns to reduce future migration risk (certificate lifecycle automation, standardized crypto configurations, modular cryptographic services where feasible).
Engineering delivery & pilot support:
Support pilots and phased implementations—especially where changing cryptography impacts interoperability between control systems, field devices, and enterprise integration layers.
Stakeholder collaboration:
Work closely with OT engineers, grid operations, security teams, and compliance functions to translate quantum-safe requirements into implementable designs and procedures.
Documentation and audit support:
Produce structured inventories, technical standards, decision records, and operational runbooks that hold up under regulatory/audit scrutiny.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Utility/energy sector experience: Prior experience supporting electricity generation, transmission, distribution, or utility-adjacent operators with cybersecurity engineering/architecture delivery.
- OT/SCADA exposure: Hands-on experience in OT contexts (SCADA, control systems, substations/control centers, or similar), including change management constraints.
- Strong cryptography foundation: Understanding of PKI, certificates, TLS, signing, key management, and how these are implemented and maintained in real environments.
- Discovery/scanning capability: Ability to build crypto inventories with tooling and investigative rigor - without relying solely on documentation.
- Delivery leadership: Experience leading technical workstreams in complex IT/OT or cybersecurity transformations.
Preferred Skills or Attributes
- Experience working in regulated critical-infrastructure environments and coordinating with compliance stakeholders.
- Familiarity with OT security frameworks commonly used in industrial contexts.
- PQC awareness (helpful, not required; training provided).
Location and Travel Expectations
- Locations: Canada, United States, United Kingdom, European Union, ASEAN
- Work model: Remote with periodic travel to control centers, substations, operations sites, and workshops—depending on engagement needs and safety requirements.
Engagement Model
- Full-time and contract options available depending on project scope and region.
Project Timing and Hiring Process Transparency
We are building a utility/critical-infrastructure quantum-safe delivery bench for engagements expected to launch soon, but some start dates are still pending final confirmation. This means we may conduct early screening and technical conversations now, with the possibility of a short pause before formal next steps. We will provide clear status updates so candidates are not left guessing.
How to Apply
Submit a resume highlighting:
- OT/SCADA security engineering/architecture experience,
- cryptographic discovery or PKI/certificate lifecycle work, and
- examples of safe delivery in reliability-sensitive environments.
