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Cipher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Next Step Systems

Senior Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

... PKI, Cipher Suites, Certificate Authority, HSM). - Expert proficiency in design and implementation of IT infrastructure systems in large scale and complex Microsoft Windows-based enterprise ...

Next Step Systems

Senior Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

... PKI, Cipher Suites, Certificate Authority, HSM). - Expert proficiency in design and implementation of IT infrastructure systems in large scale and complex Microsoft Windows-based enterprise ...

Northwood

Product Security Lead

Torrance, CA · On-site

... cipher configurations, and improper key handling. • Hire and develop product security engineers as the team scales. • Collaborate with network operations, mission management, and compliance teams ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsCipher JobsCipher Jobs in California

Cipher information

See California salary details

$31.3K

$76.5K

$122.9K

How much do cipher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for cipher in California is $76,484.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,273.00 and $122,403.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working as ciphers in cryptography teams?

Professionals specializing as ciphers in cryptography teams often face the challenge of keeping up with rapidly evolving security threats and cryptographic algorithms. They must ensure secure communication, analyze potential vulnerabilities, and sometimes work under tight deadlines to implement or update encryption protocols. Collaboration with software engineers, security analysts, and IT staff is frequent, requiring clear communication and a strong understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of cryptography. Continuous learning and adaptability are essential to stay effective in this dynamic field.

What are ciphers and what does a cipher do?

A cipher is an algorithm or method used to encrypt or decrypt information, transforming readable data (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext) to protect its confidentiality. Ciphers are fundamental to cryptography and are used in securing digital communications, such as emails, online transactions, and sensitive data storage. People who work with ciphers—such as cryptographers or security analysts—design, analyze, and implement these algorithms to protect information from unauthorized access.

What profession makes $400,000 a year?

In the cybersecurity field, senior roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or cybersecurity executives can earn $400,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and leadership responsibilities. High-level positions in finance, law, or executive management also reach or exceed this salary level, often requiring advanced degrees and significant experience.

What is the difference between Cipher vs Data Analyst?

AspectCipherData Analyst
Required CredentialsCybersecurity certifications, knowledge of encryptionStatistics, data analysis certifications, SQL skills
Work EnvironmentCybersecurity teams, IT departmentsBusiness, finance, marketing teams
Industry UsageInformation security, tech companiesVarious industries including finance, healthcare
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both Cipher and Data Analyst roles involve working with data, Cipher specialists focus on encryption, cybersecurity, and protecting information, whereas Data Analysts interpret data to inform business decisions. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cipher (Cryptographer), and why are they important?

To thrive as a cryptographer, you need a strong background in mathematics, computer science, and information security, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with cryptographic algorithms, programming languages like Python or C++, and certifications such as CISSP or CEH are typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills make someone stand out in this position. These skills are essential to develop secure systems, protect sensitive data, and counter evolving cyber threats.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

High-paying roles for a cipher or cryptography specialist typically include senior cybersecurity executives, chief information security officers, or lead cryptographers, especially in large technology or finance companies. These positions often require advanced skills in encryption, security protocols, and extensive experience, with salaries reaching or exceeding $500,000 annually for top-tier professionals. Such roles may also involve managing security teams and developing secure systems in high-stakes environments.

What does the company cipher do?

A cipher job typically involves developing, analyzing, or implementing encryption algorithms to secure data. Professionals in this role often work with cryptography tools, programming languages, and security protocols to protect information from unauthorized access.

What careers could you have in cryptology?

A career in cryptology typically involves roles such as cryptanalyst, cryptographer, security analyst, or information security specialist. These positions require skills in mathematics, computer science, and knowledge of encryption algorithms, often supported by certifications like CISSP or GIAC. Professionals work in government agencies, defense, cybersecurity firms, or private corporations to develop and analyze secure communication systems.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cipher jobs in California? The most popular types of Cipher jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Cipher jobs in California? For Cipher jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cipher jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cipher jobs in California are:
Cipher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cipher job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $76,484 per year, or $36.8 per hour.
Lead Security Engineer - Cryptographic Libraries & TLS

Lead Security Engineer - Cryptographic Libraries & TLS

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$152K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

JPMorgan Chase & Co. rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 470 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 142 rated banks

Job description


Take on a crucial role where you'll be a key part of a high-performing team building and maintaining foundational cryptographic infrastructure. Make a real impact as you help shape the way secure communications are configured, tested, and deployed across the enterprise at one of the world's largest and most influential companies.
As a Lead Security Engineer at JPMorgan Chase within the CTC Emerging Technologies Security group, you will own and evolve a TLS abstraction layer that provides a unified interface for TLS stack configuration across Java, Python, and Node.js runtimes. You will serve as both a hands-on developer and a subject-matter expert at the intersection of network security protocols and polyglot software engineering. You will be responsible for ensuring that the library remains secure, performant, well-tested, and aligned with evolving TLS standards and enterprise security policy.
Job Responsibilities
  • Design, implement, debug, and extend the TLS abstraction layer, ensuring consistent TLS configuration and behavior across Java (JSSE/Bouncy Castle), Python (ssl/OpenSSL bindings), and Node.js (built-in TLS/OpenSSL) runtimes.
  • Serve as the team's subject-matter expert on TLS 1.2 and 1.3 handshake mechanics, cipher suite negotiation, certificate validation, key exchange algorithms, and session resumption - and translate that expertise into library design decisions.
  • Architect clean, well-documented APIs that decouple application-level TLS intent (e.g., minimum protocol version, allowed cipher suites, certificate pinning, mutual TLS) from the platform-specific implementation details of each runtime's TLS stack.
  • Build and maintain comprehensive test suites - including unit, integration, interoperability, and protocol-conformance tests - that verify correct TLS behavior across all supported runtimes and configurations. Develop test harnesses that exercise edge cases such as certificate chain validation failures, protocol downgrade scenarios, and cipher suite mismatches.
  • Design, maintain, and improve CI/CD pipelines for the library, including automated builds, multi-runtime test matrices, static analysis, dependency scanning, and artifact publishing across all supported language ecosystems (Maven/Gradle, PyPI, npm).
  • Triage and resolve complex TLS-related issues reported by consuming applications, including handshake failures, performance regressions, certificate trust-store misconfigurations, and runtime-specific behavioral differences.
  • Monitor developments in TLS standards (IETF RFCs), cryptographic library updates (OpenSSL, Bouncy Castle), and runtime release notes to proactively assess impact on the library and plan necessary updates.
  • Produce clear integration guides, migration documentation, and configuration references so that consuming teams can adopt and configure the library with minimal friction.
  • Work with application teams, platform engineering, and enterprise security policy owners to gather requirements, communicate breaking changes, and align library capabilities with organizational security mandates.
  • Contribute to a team culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and mutual respect.

Required Qualifications, Capabilities, and Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field; 7+ years of software development experience, with at least 3 years focused on security-sensitive or infrastructure-level library development.
  • Strong hands-on development skills in at least two of Java, Python, and Node.js/TypeScript, with a willingness and ability to work across all three. Experience with each language's native TLS/cryptographic APIs (e.g., JSSE, Python ssl module, Node.js tls module).
  • Deep understanding of TLS 1.2 and 1.3 - including handshake flows, key exchange mechanisms (ECDHE, DHE), certificate authentication (X.509, chain-of-trust, Certificate Verify), cipher suite semantics, ALPN/SNI, and session management. Familiarity with underlying cryptographic primitives (AES-GCM, ChaCha20-Poly1305, RSA, ECDSA, EdDSA, HKDF).
  • Demonstrated experience designing, versioning, and maintaining libraries or SDKs consumed by other engineering teams, including thoughtful API surface design, semantic versioning, and backward-compatibility management.
  • Proven experience building multi-dimensional test strategies for security-critical software, including protocol-conformance testing, cross-platform interoperability testing, and negative/adversarial test cases.
  • Hands-on experience designing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or equivalent), including multi-language build matrices, automated security scanning (SAST, dependency vulnerability checks), and artifact publication.
  • Strong diagnostic skills for network-level issues - comfortable using tools like Wireshark, OpenSSL CLI (s_client, s_server), keytool, and language-specific debuggers to trace TLS handshake failures and certificate issues.
  • Solid understanding of agile development methodologies, including iterative delivery, code review discipline, and application resiliency principles.

Preferred Qualifications, Capabilities, and Skills
  • Experience with cryptographic library internals such as OpenSSL, Bouncy Castle, or LibreSSL.
  • Familiarity with FIPS 140-2/140-3 compliance requirements and their impact on TLS configuration and cryptographic provider selection.
  • Experience with mutual TLS (mTLS) at scale, including certificate lifecycle management and automated rotation.
  • Knowledge of PKI systems, HSMs, or key management infrastructure.
  • Experience with container-based build and test environments (Docker, Kubernetes) and cloud platforms (AWS).
  • Familiarity with performance profiling of TLS handshakes and bulk-encryption throughput across runtimes.
  • Experience using AI-assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Claude Code ) to accelerate library development and test generation.
  • Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, or vendor-specific security credentials are a plus but not required.

#CTC
About Us
JPMorganChase, one of the oldest financial institutions, offers innovative financial solutions to millions of consumers, small businesses and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Our history spans over 200 years and today we are a leader in investment banking, consumer and small business banking, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management.
We offer a competitive total rewards package including base salary determined based on the role, experience, skill set and location. Those in eligible roles may receive commission-based pay and/or discretionary incentive compensation, paid in the form of cash and/or forfeitable equity, awarded in recognition of individual achievements and contributions. We also offer a range of benefits and programs to meet employee needs, based on eligibility. These benefits include comprehensive health care coverage, on-site health and wellness centers, a retirement savings plan, backup childcare, tuition reimbursement, mental health support, financial coaching and more. Additional details about total compensation and benefits will be provided during the hiring process.
We recognize that our people are our strength and the diverse talents they bring to our global workforce are directly linked to our success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. We also make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as mental health or physical disability needs. Visit our FAQs for more information about requesting an accommodation.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Veterans
About the Team
Our professionals in our Corporate Functions cover a diverse range of areas from finance and risk to human resources and marketing. Our corporate teams are an essential part of our company, ensuring that we're setting our businesses, clients, customers and employees up for success.

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