Senior Cryptographic Security Advisor

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Our work is fueled by a passion to serve our clients’ needs and to protect the safety and welfare of Americans. That passion shapes how we nurture our most valuable asset – Our Employees. A-TEK actively cultivates the talent that drives our success and fosters a creative, challenging, and mission-driven work environment for current and future employees.

Position Overview

The Subject Matter Specialist – Senior Level III will provide advanced technical support in cryptography or applied mathematics to support cybersecurity strategy, risk assessment, cryptographic modernization, and secure systems design. This specialist will contribute to high-impact federal cybersecurity initiatives, including data protection, secure communications, and cryptographic compliance with federal standards (e.g., FIPS, NIST, NSA/CNSA).

This position is critical in supporting evolving cybersecurity requirements within the federal agency and aligns with national security guidance for cryptographic and mathematical expertise.

This is a remote-eligible position with occasional on-site requirements in Bethesda, MD, subject to government approval. This position requires an active Secret – Level Clearance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Cryptographic and Mathematical Analysis

• Analyze and evaluate cryptographic algorithms, protocols, and architectures used across Agency systems.
• Provide expert recommendations on the use, design, or migration of cryptographic solutions to comply with federal mandates, such as CNSA Suite or post-quantum cryptography readiness.
• Assess the mathematical soundness and effectiveness of data protection measures and encryption methods.

1. Strategic Guidance and Technical Consultation

• Advise agency leadership and program teams on cryptographic security standards, data confidentiality risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Support the development of secure systems architecture by integrating cryptographic best practices and threat modeling into the design lifecycle.
• Participate in cryptographic key management policy development and technical reviews.

1. Research and Innovation

• Monitor developments in cryptographic technologies, quantum-safe algorithms, and industry advancements to support strategic planning.
• Contribute to white papers, research studies, and policy briefs on secure communications and encryption modernization.

1. Compliance and Documentation

• Ensure cryptographic controls align with FIPS 140-3, NIST SP 800-53, SP 800-175B, and other relevant standards.
• Prepare detailed documentation including algorithm evaluations, risk assessments, and compliance gap analyses.
• Collaborate with system engineers and security analysts to implement findings and ensure accuracy and traceability of cryptographic use cases.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Cryptography, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Master’s degree or Ph.D. preferred.

Experience

• For Cryptographers: Minimum of 2 years of applied experience in cryptography, including algorithm development, cryptographic assessments, or secure system design.
• For Mathematicians: Degree in Mathematics and at least 3 years of experience working in a role requiring applied mathematics (e.g., algorithm analysis, modeling, statistical security controls).

Required Security Clearance

• Must currently hold a Secret clearance or meet reciprocity eligibility for Secret-level access.
• Must undergo a Tier 3 Background Investigation for National Security Determination.
• Must comply with all security requirements outlined in the PWS and the DD Form 254 provided by the Government.

Preferred Certifications

While not required, the following are desirable:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – with focus in Cryptography
• Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) – GCTY or GCCC
• NIST or NSA-sponsored crypto/compliance training

Technical Skills

• Familiarity with cryptographic libraries and tools (e.g., OpenSSL, BouncyCastle, Libsodium).
• Understanding of cryptographic standards such as FIPS, NIST SP 800-series, and PKI infrastructures.
• Basic proficiency in programming/scripting languages used for crypto research (e.g., Python, C/C++, MATLAB, SageMath).

Core Competencies

• High proficiency in mathematical reasoning and statistical analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for technical and executive audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world cybersecurity environments.
• Self-driven, analytical, and capable of independently managing research tasks.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: $180,000 to $220,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Benefits: A-TEK offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off and recognized federal holidays
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development assistance

A-TEK, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or Vietnam era or other protected Veteran status.