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Cryptography Engineer Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$90K - $130K/yr

Overview LMI is seeking an Cryptography Firmware Engineer to support the development of secure ... Target salary range: $90,000 - 130,000 Disclaimer: The salary range displayed represents the ...

New

Overview LMI is seeking an Cryptography Firmware Engineer to support the development of secure ... Target salary range: $90,000 - 130,000 Disclaimer: The salary range displayed represents the ...

New

Manager, Staff Engineering - Cryptography Position Summary GEICO is seeking an experienced Manager ... Multiple factors are taken into consideration to arrive at the final hourly rate/ annual salary to ...

Join a stellar team of leaders and experts in blockchain technology, cryptography, infrastructure ... Salary: $220,000-300,000 per year (full-time) * Equity: 150-300 stock options vested over 4 years ...

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Cryptography Engineer Salary information

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$33K

$89.2K

$142K

How much do cryptography engineer salary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for cryptography engineer salary in the United States is $89,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cryptography engineer do?

A cryptography engineer designs and implements encryption algorithms and security protocols to protect data confidentiality and integrity. They analyze cryptographic systems, develop secure communication methods, and often work with programming languages like C++ or Python, as well as tools such as cryptographic libraries. Their work is essential in securing sensitive information in industries like finance, government, and technology.

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

To thrive as a Cryptography Engineer, you need a deep understanding of mathematics, computer science, and cryptographic algorithms, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with security protocols, programming languages like C/C++ or Python, and cryptographic libraries such as OpenSSL is typically required, and certifications like CISSP or CEH can be beneficial. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help engineers design secure systems and convey complex ideas clearly. These skills are crucial for developing, implementing, and maintaining robust security measures that protect sensitive data from evolving cyber threats.

What is the difference between Cryptography Engineer Salary vs Security Engineer Salary?

AspectCryptography Engineer SalarySecurity Engineer Salary
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, Cryptography certificationsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, Security certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D teams, cybersecurity firmsIT departments, cybersecurity firms, enterprise environments
Industry UsageFocus on encryption, cryptographic protocolsFocus on network security, threat mitigation

Cryptography Engineers typically earn salaries aligned with their specialized cryptographic skills, often working in research or development roles. Security Engineers focus on broader security measures, including network and system protection. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, Cryptography Engineers tend to have higher salaries in roles emphasizing encryption and cryptographic protocol development.

What are some common challenges cryptography engineers face when working on real-world security solutions?

Cryptography Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating secure cryptographic protocols into legacy systems, balancing security requirements with system performance, and keeping up with rapidly evolving attack methods. Collaborating with software developers, IT teams, and product managers is crucial to ensure that encryption solutions align with business needs while maintaining robust protection. Additionally, Cryptography Engineers must stay informed about the latest cryptographic research and standards to proactively address potential vulnerabilities and ensure compliance.

What is the average salary of a cryptography engineer?

The average salary for a Cryptography Engineer varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but in the United States, it typically ranges from $110,000 to $180,000 per year. Entry-level positions may start around $95,000, while experienced professionals or those in senior roles can earn upwards of $200,000 or more. Factors like advanced degrees, certifications, and specialized skills in cryptography can also influence compensation.
More about Cryptography Engineer Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Cryptography Engineer Salary jobs? Cities with the most Cryptography Engineer Salary job openings:
What states have the most Cryptography Engineer Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Cryptography Engineer Salary jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cryptography Engineer Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $89,183 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Principal Cryptography Engineer with Security Clearance

MITRE Corporation

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$172K - $216K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


MITRE Corporation rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

155th of 446 rated engineering


Job description

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us. The Cryptography, ICAM, & System Assurance department is comprised of an inspired multi-disciplinary team of researchers and practitioners driving innovation in the department's technical areas of focus, with particular emphasis in Cryptography; System Assurance; and Identity, Credential and Access Management (ICAM). We develop and apply scalable approaches for systems and software, evaluate technology and solutions, lead and foster external partnerships within the communities we support, and conduct novel research and development. We serve in critical roles including: * Aiding the Federal Government as a community in architecting and applying modern cryptography and PQC technologies to secure systems, software, and protocols.
* Developing strategies, assessing policy and technical constraints, and facilitating the deployment of cryptography solutions into cloud, hybrid, and on-premises infrastructures for enterprise and tactical environments. As senior trusted advisors and leaders within the cryptography and PQC community internally and external to MITRE, we apply our knowledge of industry trends, advances in commercial technology, and relevant industry standards and protocols to inform our sponsors' decision-making.
* Performing research and development, evaluation and testing and operational support for high-priority sponsor mission applications, MITRE Labs strategic initiatives, and MITRE's internal research and development program. Roles & Responsibilities: * Translate mission needs into cryptographic technical requirements, interfaces, and measurable outcomes.
* Build solutions for constrained environments (limited connectivity, offline sync) and define test strategies, roadmaps, and integration plans.
* Act as subject matter expert on PQC standards (e.g. Lattice and SLH-DSA)
* Act as subject matter expert on PKI
* Collaborate with engineers, integrators, and vendors on technology evaluation, trade studies, reusable assets, and mentorship. Basic Qualifications: * BS with 10+ years relevant experience, or MS with 8+ years, or PhD with 5+ years; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
* Strong analytical/problem-solving skills and sound technical judgment.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills.
* Demonstrated ability to deliver results and collaborate across teams.
* Ability to work effectively in secure/classified environments.
* Continued employment on this work is contingent upon meeting and maintaining government security eligibility requirements (requirements may change based on sponsor needs)
* This position requires a Top-Secret Clearance * Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements for a clearance, U.S. Citizenship is required. * This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site Preferred Qualifications: * Doctorate in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Mathematics or related field.
* Demonstrable contributions to cryptography communities
* Publication references on cryptography topics
* Systems engineering experience (requirements, architecture, integration, test) and familiarity with development lifecycles.
* Experience applying NIST PQC standards and guidelines
* Strong understanding of cryptography and PQC concepts.
* Interest in applied research and building reusable, scalable technical approaches. This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Top Secret This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$172,800 - $216,000 - $259,200 Annual Work Location Type:
Hybrid It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law. MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE's employment process, please email for general support and for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply. Benefits information may be found here . Copyright © 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.

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About MITRE

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Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities, and a culture of innovation that embraces diversity, inclusion, flexibility, collaboration, and career growth. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE-and make a difference with us. MITRE is a trusted operator of federally funded research and development centers and we're on a mission to make the world a safer place-for all of humanity, today and in the future. To deliver on our mission, we need the world's best talent and leaders-groundbreakers and partnership-builders on a global scale in areas like healthcare, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure resiliency, pandemic management, and cybersecurity. In return, we have the privilege of backing you with thousands of technical experts in diverse fields, a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing, access to data and resources uniquely available to MITRE through our wide-ranging partnerships across government, industry and academia.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1958

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