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Cryptographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mem Protocol

Applied Cryptographer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Mindset You think about how cryptographic primitives can be used to secure identity, access, communication, and storage of data. Have opinions on how trust, authorization, and credential systems ...

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$199.5K

$212.5K

$222.5K

How much do cryptographer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for cryptographer in the United States is $212,499.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $206,000.00 and $219,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Cryptographer, you need a solid background in mathematics, computer science, and cryptographic algorithms, typically supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with programming languages like Python or C++, cryptographic libraries (e.g., OpenSSL), and security protocols is essential, and certifications such as CISSP or CEH can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills are vital for designing secure systems, protecting sensitive data, and staying ahead of evolving cybersecurity threats.

What are some typical challenges cryptographers face when working on real-world security systems?

Cryptographers often encounter the challenge of balancing robust security with system performance and usability. Implementing encryption methods that are both secure and efficient requires careful consideration of computational resources, especially in environments with limited hardware capabilities. Additionally, cryptographers must stay current with evolving threats and standards, ensuring their solutions remain effective against new attack vectors. Collaboration with software engineers, IT teams, and sometimes clients is essential to integrate cryptographic solutions seamlessly while meeting practical business needs.

What are cryptographers and what do they do?

Cryptographers are professionals who design, analyze, and implement algorithms and protocols to secure information and communications. Their work involves developing encryption techniques to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access, ensuring the privacy and integrity of digital communications. Cryptographers also analyze existing security systems to identify vulnerabilities and help organizations safeguard their information against cyber threats. They may work in various sectors, including government, finance, and technology, playing a crucial role in cybersecurity.

What is the difference between Cryptographer vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectCryptographerCybersecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsDegree in Computer Science, Mathematics; certifications like CISSP, GIACDegree in Cybersecurity, IT; certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, security firms, government agenciesCorporate IT departments, security operations centers
Industry UsageDeveloping encryption algorithms, secure communication protocolsMonitoring security threats, incident response, system protection

While both roles focus on security, cryptographers primarily develop encryption methods and algorithms, whereas cybersecurity analysts monitor and respond to security threats. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within the security industry.

More about Cryptographer jobs
Who are the top companies hiring for Cryptographer jobs? The top employers for Cryptographer jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Cryptographer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cryptographer jobs are:
Cryptographer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cryptographer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $212,499 per year, or $102.2 per hour.
Applied Cryptographer

Applied Cryptographer

Mem Protocol

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Mindset
You think about how cryptographic primitives can be used to secure identity, access, communication, and storage of data. Have opinions on how trust, authorization, and credential systems should evolve with newer advances in computing and algorithms. Understand the principles that go into designing robust and adaptive cryptographic systems. Are able to identify potential flaws in a given cryptographic scheme, protocol, or implementation.
What you'll do
You will work on the cryptographic foundations that let people, agents, and systems establish identity, delegate authority, and protect sensitive data. The job is to turn messy security requirements into mechanisms that are precise, durable, and usable in practice. You might design identity and access systems, build credentialing and key management infrastructure, develop secure and privacy-preserving protocols, or evaluate existing systems against realistic attack models. The aim is not just elegant cryptography, but systems that remain trustworthy under real-world use.
Preferred Background
  • Designed and implemented identity and access management systems that use cryptographic techniques to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data.
  • Developed cryptographic protocols to enable secure communication between distributed systems and trusted services.
  • Designed and implemented privacy-enhancing technologies to enable secure transactions and communication while preserving users' privacy.
  • Built secure key management systems, credentialing infrastructure, and other tools to enable users to manage cryptographic material securely.
  • Analyzed and evaluated the security of existing distributed systems and identifying potential vulnerabilities or weaknesses that need to be addressed.
  • Researched and developed new cryptographic techniques to address emerging security challenges in modern software systems.

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