*Cryptography SME

DSFederal Inc, is seeking a Cryptography Subject Matter Expert to architect, evaluate, and advance cryptographic solutions that protect sensitive federal health-IT environments and meet emerging post-quantum mandates. You will be advising federal cybersecurity leadership; guiding migrations to post-quantum algorithms; and ensuring full compliance with NIST, FIPS 140-3, and HHS cybersecurity directives. This role combines deep technical research with hands-on solution delivery across multiple cloud and on-prem platforms. 

Job Duties / Responsibilities 

• Architecture & Design – Lead the design and peer review of cryptographic architectures, protocols, and key-management infrastructures (KMS/HSM) for federal systems, including Zero Trust and High-Value Assets. 
• Post-Quantum Migration – Drive client migrations in line with OMB M-23-02; develop PQC migration playbooks, inventories, and working-group charters. 
• Assessment & Validation – Conduct cryptographic code reviews, threat modeling, and FIPS 140-3 validation support; remediate findings to meet FISMA and FedRAMP baselines. 
• Key Management – Define lifecycle procedures (generation, escrow, rotation, revocation) for AWS KMS, Azure Key Vault, GCP KMS, and on-prem HSMs. 
• Policy & Compliance – Author and update encryption standards, STIG checklists, and Section 508-aligned documentation; brief executives on risk posture and regulatory impacts. 
• Tooling & Development – Build or vet reusable cryptographic libraries (OpenSSL, Bouncy Castle, libsodium) and automation scripts for CI/CD pipelines. 
• Incident Response Support – Provide expert guidance during security incidents involving encryption or digital certificates. 
• Training & Evangelism – Deliver internal workshops, brown-bag sessions, and mentoring to raise cryptographic maturity across federal project teams. 
• Research & Innovation – Monitor academic and industry advances (homomorphic encryption, threshold signatures, MPC); publish white papers and propose R&D pilots. 

Experience 

• Minimum: At least 2 years of experience with Cryptography or degree in Mathematics with 3 years of experience in a role as a Mathematician. 
• Preferred: 7+ years in information security, with 3+ years dedicated to applied cryptography in federal or highly regulated sectors. 

Hands-On Expertise: 

• Symmetric & asymmetric algorithms (AES-GCM, ChaCha20-Poly1305, RSA, ECC, EdDSA). 
• PKI, certificate lifecycle automation, OCSP/CRL, hardware tokens. 
• TLS 1.3, IPsec, QUIC, secure boot, code signing. 
• Cloud KMS and on-prem HSM (Thales, Azure HSM, AWS CloudHSM). 
• Vulnerability assessment tools (crypto-lint, TLS scanners, SCAP/NIST 800-53 checklists). 
• Demonstrated success leading or advising cryptographic workstreams on large federal programs (HHS, DoD, DHS, or financial services a plus). 
• Proven ability to translate complex math into clear, executive-level risk narratives. 

Education 

• Required: Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Information Security, or related discipline. 
• Preferred: Master’s or Ph.D. with research in cryptography, number theory, or quantum-resistant algorithms. 

Certifications 

• Required: Secret (or higher) clearance 
• CISSP, CISM, GIAC GCTY, CCSP, AWS Security Specialty, Microsoft SC-100. 
• FIPS 140-3 Implementation/CMVP experience strongly desired. 

Who We Are: DSFederal is a leader in health IT and data analytics that delivers innovative solutions to improve healthcare delivery and address critical challenges, including cancer surveillance, HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, and COVID-19 emergency response. Our highly experienced professionals serve over 50 different federal clients on over 80 projects. Our people 

are united by one mission to improve human life through transformative solutions. www.dsfederal.com.

What We Can Offer You: DSFederal attracts the best people in the business with our competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage, 401k plan with employer contribution, paid holidays, vacation, and more. If you enjoy being a part of a high performing, professional services, and technology-focused organization, we encourage you to apply!

Our Mission: Improve human life through transformative solutions.

Our Core Values: Integrity, People First, Disciplined Business Practices, Customer Centric, Value Creation

EEO Statement: DSFederal is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

E-Verify Statement: DSFederal utilizes the E-Verify program for every potential new hire. This makes it possible for us to confirm that every employee who works for DSFederal is eligible to work in the United States. To learn more about E-Verify you can call 1-800-255-7688 or visit their website by clicking the logo below. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the United States Department of Homeland Security

Instruction: To apply for the position, please submit an application package that includes a one-page bio and resume. The bio and resume must include your experience related to the skills and qualifications necessary for this position.

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