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Cryptographic Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

COMSEC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$133 - $222.10/hr

Develop and evaluate cryptographic implementation approaches, supports key architecture and ... Perform COMSEC engineering analyses for cryptographic systems, secure communications, and key ...

WILLCOR, Inc.

Network Engineer

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

We are seeking a Network Engineer to support a DoD Cyber Security project, with a focus on integrating networking and cryptographic systems. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience setting ...

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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 4, 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.

Communication Security Operations Lead

SAIC

Springfield, VA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago

SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 226 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2616471
Location: Springfield, VA, US
Date Posted: 2026-09-02
Category: Cyber
Subcategory: Cyber Engineer
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Travel: No
Minimum Clearance Required: Secret
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Top Secret
Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE
Description
The Communication Security Operations Lead provides operational execution, and technical leadership for Department of State's (DOS) Communication Security Division's Operations support team. This team is responsible for providing operational support to the custodians of the department's high-assurance Communications Security (COMSEC) infrastructure.
One of the key responsibilities for this pivotal role is the transformation of the current legacy 24/7 network and COMSEC monitoring practice into a modern, proactive practice built around automation, intelligent alerting, real-time dashboards, and reduced operational toil.
This position oversees a multidisciplinary team-including network and systems engineers, security analysts, COMSEC auditors, logistics specialists, and data engineers-ensuring the delivery of robust, compliant, and software-driven cryptographic solutions.
The scope encompasses the entire high-assurance ecosystem lifecycle (KMI and INE solutions, secure warehouse logistics) with a heavy focus on spearheading the adoption of Over-the-Network Keying (OTNK), transitioning to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) solutions, and deploying next-generation High-Assurance Inline Network Encryption (HAIPE) and Next Generation Load Devices (NGLD).
This role may require occasional trips to other DoS locations within the DMV area.
Key Responsibilities:
Operations Modernization & Team Leadership
  • Transformational Leadership: Manage, mentor, and upskill a large team of KMI professionals, engineers, analysts, and logistics personnel, transitioning them from manual, reactive monitoring to automated, proactive engineering practices.
  • Reduction of Toil: Eliminate "staring at monitors" by designing and implementing automated workflows, centralized health dashboards, and high-fidelity, actionable alerting frameworks.
  • Resource Integration: Align staffing and skills across distinct engineering, daily cryptographic operations, and compliance workstreams to support a modernized infrastructure.
  • Culture of Innovation: Foster continuous training on emerging cryptographic standards, Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), and automated configuration management.

Advanced Cryptographic Engineering & PQC Adoption
  • Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Transition: Support cryptographic asset discovery, and implementation of PQC algorithms adoption strategies in alignment with CNSA 2.0.
  • Crypto-Agility Engineering: Support the implementation of crypto-agile frameworks capable of seamlessly ingesting new cryptographic algorithms via software updates, minimizing the need for physical hardware replacement.
  • Solutions Development: Support the testing and deployment of secure enterprise and tactical cryptographic solutions & CSfC approved solutions optimized for modern network architectures.

Next-Gen Infrastructure & OTNK Deployment
  • OTNK Scaling: lead and support operational tasks associated with the overhauling of current key management practice by scaling Over-the-Network Keying (OTNK) protocols, drastically reducing manual touchpoints and legacy physical key delivery.
  • Next-Gen HAIPE Deployment: Lead the technical evaluation, laboratory benchmarking, and phased rollout of next-generation HAIPE devices, ensuring multi-enclave throughput, backward compatibility, and adherence to national security validation standards.
  • Modern Load Infrastructure: Oversee the strategic transition from legacy fill devices to modern Next Generation Load Device (NGLD) platforms, integrating seamlessly with contemporary Key Management Infrastructure (KMI).

Automated Vulnerability Management & Secure Logistics
  • Automated Patching & Vulnerability Management: Direct rigorous testing, scheduling, and automated deployment of firmware modifications, software patches, and security configurations across all high-assurance assets.

Qualifications
Required Education & Experience:
  • Bachelors in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline and 9 years or more experience; may accept additional experience in lieu of degree.

Required Technical Competencies:
  • Modernization & Automation Frameworks: Proven experience transforming legacy 24/7 operations teams using automation tools, monitoring/alerting platforms, and real-time dashboarding (e.g., modern SIEM, telemetry dashboards, infrastructure-as-code).
  • Next-Gen Cryptography & Standards: Deep understanding of PQC adoption, crypto-agility, OTNK, Key Management Infrastructure (KMI), and type-1 encryption devices (e.g., TACLANE, SKL, KGV platforms).
  • Compliance Alignment: Documented experience aligning enterprise technology with National Security Agency (NSA) Commercial National Security Algorithm (CNSA 2.0) guidelines and NIST standards.
  • Testing & Prototyping: Proven ability to establish isolated testing enclaves, define Proof-of-Concept (PoC) performance criteria, and manage low-blast-radius deployment strategies for new cryptographic solutions.
  • PKI Engineering: Deep expertise in Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) engineering and lifecycle management.

Leadership & Strategic Skills:
  • Change Management & Scale: Success leading and culturally transforming large technical teams within high-stakes, mission-critical environments from manual operations to modern engineering practices.
  • Stakeholder Diplomacy: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to present complex operational issues, technical risks, and automation roadmaps, to leadership and external governance boards.
  • Decisiveness: Strong command presence with a methodical, risk-based approach to incident response, vulnerability management, and infrastructure bottlenecks.

Preferred Certifications:
  • CISSP, CISM, or formal federal/defense COMSEC Manager certifications.

Required Clearance:
  • ship.
  • Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a top secret clearance.

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
SAIC is a premier technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining Ingenuity through its deep customer and domain knowledge to enable the delivery of systems engineering and integration offerings for large, complex projects. SAIC's approximately 15,000 employees are driven by integrity and mission focus to serve customers in the U.S. federal government. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see .

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