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Cryptographic Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Umbra

Senior Cryptographic Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$108K - $148K/yr

About the Job As Umbra's Cryptographic Systems Engineer , you will own the architecture, integration, and lifecycle management of Type 1 cryptographic capabilities across our space and ground systems.

Umbra

Senior Cryptographic Systems Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $164K/yr

About the Job As Umbra's Cryptographic Systems Engineer , you will own the architecture, integration, and lifecycle management of Type 1 cryptographic capabilities across our space and ground systems.

Umbra

Senior Cryptographic Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$108K - $148K/yr

About the Job As Umbra's Cryptographic Systems Engineer , you will own the architecture, integration, and lifecycle management of Type 1 cryptographic capabilities across our space and ground systems.

KBR, Inc.

Crypto Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Instead, the Crypto Systems Engineer ensures that cryptographic solutions are designed in early, integrated correctly across system boundaries, and executable within the constraints of proliferated ...

KBR

Crypto Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Instead, the Crypto Systems Engineer ensures that cryptographic solutions are designed in early, integrated correctly across system boundaries, and executable within the constraints of proliferated ...

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Cryptographic Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$35K

$108.2K

$144K

How much do cryptographic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for cryptographic engineer in Washington, DC is $108,173.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $131,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cryptographic engineer?

To thrive as a Cryptographic Engineer, you need a deep understanding of mathematics, cryptographic algorithms, and computer science, typically supported by a relevant degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field. Familiarity with cryptographic libraries, security protocols, programming languages like C/C++ or Python, and certifications such as CISSP or CEH are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These competencies are essential to design, implement, and maintain secure systems that protect sensitive data and ensure organizational trust.

What are some common challenges faced by cryptographic engineers when implementing new encryption protocols in a production environment?

Cryptographic Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility with existing systems, maintaining performance while integrating robust security measures, and staying ahead of evolving cyber threats. Implementing new protocols may also require extensive testing to avoid vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with industry standards. Effective collaboration with software developers and IT teams is crucial to ensure seamless deployment and minimize potential disruptions to business operations.

What does a cryptographic engineer do?

A cryptographic engineer designs, develops, and implements encryption algorithms and security protocols to protect data confidentiality and integrity. They analyze cryptographic systems, stay updated on security vulnerabilities, and often work with programming languages like C or Python, as well as cryptography tools and standards. Their work is essential in securing communications, financial transactions, and sensitive information across various industries.

What are popular job titles related to Cryptographic Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

For Cryptographic Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cryptographic Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Cryptographic Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Cryptographic Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cryptographic Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,173 per year, or $52 per hour.

Senior Cryptographic Systems Engineer

Reston, VA • On-site

Umbra
See more jobs at Umbraexternal

$108K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space-for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra's ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms). Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed.
About the Team
Mission Solutions - The Platforms
Mission Solutions builds on Umbra's expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions. Whether it's a custom payload, a full-stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire constellation, our team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission.
If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that's redefining what's possible in space platforms, you belong here at Umbra.
About the Job
As Umbra's Cryptographic Systems Engineer, you will own the architecture, integration, and lifecycle management of Type 1 cryptographic capabilities across our space and ground systems. You will lead the development of secure communications architectures from concept development and trade studies through implementation, integration, verification, NSA certification and accreditation, launch, and on-orbit operations. Working closely with mission systems, spacecraft, ground software, government customers, and the National Security Agency, you will define the COMSEC architecture that protects command and telemetry links, mission data, and cross-domain interfaces for national security missions. This role is responsible for ensuring Umbra's secure communications solutions meet the highest standards for performance, resiliency, and compliance while supporting rapid development, production, and deployment of advanced space systems. As the technical authority for cryptographic integration, you will establish the engineering standards, certification strategy, and secure communications framework that future Umbra programs build upon.
This position is based on-site in either our Arlington, VA office or Reston, VA office.
Key Responsibilities
  • Own the end-to-end architecture and design of Type-1 cryptographic integrations across the spacecraft, payload, and ground segment.
  • Lead crypto designs from concept and trade studies through implementation, integration, certification, and on-orbit operations.
  • Define COMSEC architecture for command, telemetry, and mission data protection, including encryption, key management, and key loading approaches.
  • Serve as Umbras primary technical interface to NSA, certification authorities, and government customers on cryptographic certification and accreditation.
  • Drive the certification and accreditation effort, developing the artifacts, test evidence, and documentation required to achieve and maintain approval to operate.
  • Partner with flight software, avionics, RF, ground, and security teams to integrate cryptographic functions into the broader system architecture.
  • Support COMSEC handling, key management planning, and operational procedures for on-orbit fleet operations.
  • Identify and mitigate cryptographic and supply-chain risks across design and production.
  • Establish reusable cryptographic standards, interfaces, and processes that scale across Umbras satellite production line.

Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
  • 8+ years of engineering experience with cryptographic systems, COMSEC, or secure communications.
  • Direct experience with NSA Type-1 cryptographic equipment, integration, and certification processes.
  • Working knowledge of key management, key loading, and COMSEC handling requirements.
  • Experience taking a hardware or system design through certification and accreditation to operational use.
  • Strong systems-level thinking with the ability to reason from first principles across hardware, software, and RF boundaries.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Desired Qualifications
  • 12+ years of engineering experience with cryptographic systems, COMSEC, or secure communications.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere with competing priorities and aggressive schedules.
  • Experience with spacecraft, satellite, or other space-system cryptographic integrations.
  • Experience supporting ISR, SAR, or other space-based intelligence collection missions.
  • Familiarity with cryptographic modernization initiatives and current NSA-approved algorithms and equipment.
  • Background in RF, link design, or secure command and telemetry systems.
  • Experience supporting on-orbit or fielded operations.
  • Knowledge of satellite mission operations, TT&C systems, mission planning, or ground data processing architectures.
  • Experience supporting U.S. Government, DoD, Intelligence Community, or NRO space programs.

Benefits
  • Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)
  • Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded)
  • 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution
  • Stock Options
  • Free Parking
  • Free lunch daily in office

Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions requiring an active U.S. Government security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Employment Eligibility Verification
In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.
ITAR/EAR Requirements
This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable.
Pay Transparency
This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role's function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience.
Compensation Range
The Compensation Range for this role is $190,000 - $220,000 DOE.

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