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Cryptic Vector

Offensive Cyber Engineer

Miamisburg, OH · On-site

At Cryptic Vector, we are dedicated to mission success. We take the time to understand our customers' needs, delivering products that perform when our nation needs them most. We understand that ...

Cryptic Vector

Full Stack Developer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

At Cryptic Vector, we are dedicated to mission success. We take the time to understand our customers' needs, delivering products that perform when our nation needs them most. We understand that ...

HANANIA MITSUBISHI

SERVICE TECHNICIAN

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$30/hr

Do you have a knack for deciphering cryptic engine noises and mysterious warning lights? Can you make a vehicle feel like new with just a few tweaks and twists? If you're nodding your head ...

Red Door Experiences

Sales Representative

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$32K - $40K/yr

Groups are locked in a room full of cryptic puzzles and hidden clues and have exactly 60 minutes to solve the clues and escape the room. Red Door Escape Room is uniquely positioned to service the ...

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All JobsCryptic Jobs

Cryptic information

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$8

$26

$61

How much do cryptic jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for cryptic in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cryptic?

Cryptics, often referred to as cryptic crossword setters or compilers, are individuals who create cryptic crossword puzzles. These puzzles are known for their clever and challenging clues, which often involve wordplay, double meanings, and anagrams. Cryptic crossword setters must have a strong command of language and creativity to design engaging and solvable puzzles. Their work is featured in newspapers, magazines, and online platforms for crossword enthusiasts. The role requires both puzzle-solving skills and the ability to craft intricate clues that are satisfying for solvers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cryptic crossword setter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cryptic Crossword Setter, you need excellent command of the English language, strong logical reasoning, and a creative approach to wordplay, often supported by a background in writing or editing. Familiarity with crossword construction software and style guides is typically required. Attention to detail, patience, and an ability to anticipate solver perspectives are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the creation of engaging, fair, and challenging puzzles that appeal to and satisfy crossword enthusiasts.

What are some common challenges faced by cryptic crossword setters and how can they be addressed?

Cryptic crossword setters often face the challenge of balancing difficulty with fairness, ensuring clues are both inventive and solvable. Crafting clues that adhere to established conventions while remaining original can also be demanding. Collaboration with editors and test solvers is vital to refine clues and maintain quality. Setters benefit from regularly reviewing feedback and studying successful puzzles to continually improve their craft.

What is the difference between Cryptic vs Cryptanalyst?

AspectCrypticCryptanalyst
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, basic knowledge of ciphersBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cryptography, or related field; often certifications
Work EnvironmentPuzzle design, game development, entertainmentIntelligence agencies, cybersecurity firms, government agencies
Industry UsageGaming, entertainment, puzzle creationSecurity, intelligence, military
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding puzzle or game designUnderstanding security or intelligence roles

Cryptic typically refers to puzzles, riddles, or code-based games designed for entertainment or brain teasers. In contrast, a Cryptanalyst is a professional who analyzes and breaks cryptographic codes, often working in security or intelligence sectors. While both involve code and ciphers, Cryptic is more related to puzzle creation, whereas Cryptanalyst focuses on decoding and security analysis.

More about Cryptic jobs

What job categories do people searching Cryptic jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Cryptic jobs are:

Cryptic jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cryptic job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Offensive Cyber Engineer

Cryptic Vector

Miamisburg, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

At Cryptic Vector, we are dedicated to mission success. We take the time to understand our customers' needs, delivering products that perform when our nation needs them most. We understand that properly supporting the most unique missions of the United States government requires the nation's best. Our focus is on creating a culture where the best and brightest want to grow, learn, and stay. If coming up with out-of-the-box solutions is your specialty, then you'll feel right at home at Cryptic Vector. We are solving the country's most unique problems in an environment where problem solvers and hard workers thrive. We've replaced corporate red tape with transparency and servant leadership. Honestly, it's hard not to love this culture!
We value the individual experiences that our team members add to our culture and capabilities. Please don't hesitate to apply even if you don't meet the exact qualifications! We are interested in varying levels of experience.
Offensive Cyber Engineer
As an Offensive Cyber Engineer, you'll dive deep into reverse engineering and vulnerability research on software and firmware, turning raw binaries into actionable intelligence and building exploits and capabilities that perform under real-world pressure. You will systematically deconstruct complex code to reveal its inner workings, uncover hidden behaviors, and identify exploitable flaws. You'll also design and develop post-exploitation effects and implants that are robust, stealthy, and engineered to resist both forensic scrutiny and active countermeasures.
This is work that demands deep technical fluency, creative problem-solving, and the ability to build solutions that hold up when everything is on the line. If you're motivated by conquering tough challenges and having your expertise translate into high-impact results, this role is for you!
Responsibilities:
  • Reverse Engineering (RE) of software/firmware, Vulnerability Research (VR), exploit development/productization
  • Deconstruct and analyze software/firmware to understand its structure, functionality, and behavior
  • Design/develop post-exploitation effects in software/firmware, which can withstand scrutiny and attack
  • Design/develop secure, reliable, software-based communication solutions
  • Design/develop stealth solutions
  • Employ industry-standard tools such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, Wireshark, and Hex editors (e.g., Hex Workshop) to reverse engineer software components
  • Develop scripts and tools in C, Assembly, Rust, and Python to automate and enhance reverse engineering processes
  • Collaborate with hardware teams to understand and interact with physical devices. This includes connecting probes, using logic analyzers, and decoding signals on hardware
  • Write unit tests, functional tests, and end-to-end tests
  • Prepare detailed reports documenting the findings, methodologies, and potential implications of reverse engineering efforts
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to provide insights and technical expertise on reverse-engineered software/hardware

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • Strong programming skills in C, Assembly, and Python
  • Extensive experience with reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, and Wireshark
  • Proficiency with x86 architecture, or other modern architecture, and Hex editors
  • Ability to interface with hardware, including connecting probes to traces, using logic analyzers, and decoding hardware signals
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and creatively in analyzing software and hardware components
  • Meticulous attention to detail, especially when dealing with complex codebases and hardware systems
  • Priority will be given to candidates with an active Top Secret (TS) clearance. Ability to obtain and maintain a TS clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working with embedded systems or IoT devices
  • Familiarity with other assembly languages beyond x86 (e.g., ARM)
  • Knowledge of network protocols and cybersecurity principles

Benefits & Perks
As an Employee First company, we offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package:
  • 100% Company-paid medical insurance for employees
  • 100% Company-paid dental and vision insurance
  • Competitive salary and bonus
  • 25% 401k company contribution
  • Generous PTO, parental leave, bereavement leave, and volunteer time
  • Flexible work hours
  • Tuition reimbursement, training allowance, internal mobility opportunities
  • Free beverages and snacks, Donut Fridays, monthly social events

This role requires use of technical data subject to U.S. Government contract restrictions, therefore this posting is only for U.S. Citizens.
Cryptic Vector is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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