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Cryptography Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Verisign

Research Engineer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$108K - $147K/yr

The Engineer III - Research Software Engineer plays a role in identifying and developing novel and ... Experience with network security, including cryptography, privacy, identification, and ...

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How much do cryptography research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for cryptography research in the United States is $22.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a cryptography researcher?

To become a cryptography researcher, one typically needs a strong background in mathematics, computer science, or related fields, often holding at least a master's degree or Ph.D. in these areas. Developing expertise in algorithms, cryptographic protocols, and programming languages like Python or C++ is essential, along with experience in research environments and familiarity with cryptographic tools and standards.

What is a Cryptography Research job?

A Cryptography Research job involves studying and developing secure communication techniques to protect data from unauthorized access. Researchers analyze cryptographic algorithms, design new encryption methods, and assess vulnerabilities in existing security systems. They often work with mathematical models, computer science principles, and real-world security applications. Their work is critical in fields like cybersecurity, blockchain, and secure communications.

Is a PhD in cryptography worth it?

A PhD in cryptography can enhance expertise and open opportunities in research, academia, and advanced security roles. However, it requires significant time and effort, and many positions in industry also value practical skills and experience alongside advanced degrees.

How much does a CIA cryptographer make?

A CIA cryptographer typically earns a salary comparable to federal government cybersecurity and intelligence professionals, often ranging from $70,000 to over $150,000 annually depending on experience, education, and security clearance level. Advanced skills in cryptography, security clearances, and specialized training can influence compensation within this range.

Can you get a PhD in cryptography?

A PhD in cryptography is a doctoral degree typically pursued within computer science or mathematics programs, focusing on advanced research in encryption, security protocols, and related areas. Cryptography research roles often require a PhD for specialized positions, and earning one involves completing coursework, original research, and a dissertation. This degree prepares individuals for academic, research, or high-level industry roles in cryptography.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cryptography Research position, and why are they important?

To excel in Cryptography Research, a strong background in mathematics, computer science, and information security—often supported by an advanced degree (e.g., Master's or PhD)—is essential. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, and specialized cryptography libraries or tools, along with familiarity with standards like AES, RSA, and knowledge of security protocols, is typically required. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills allow researchers to confidently share findings and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for advancing cryptographic methods, addressing emerging security threats, and ensuring the practical application of research outcomes.

What types of projects and collaboration can I expect in a cryptography research position?

As a Cryptography Researcher, you'll often work on projects such as developing and analyzing new encryption algorithms, conducting security assessments of existing protocols, or contributing to open-source cryptography libraries. Collaboration is common with other researchers, software engineers, and cybersecurity professionals, both within your organization and in cross-functional or academic partnerships. Regular tasks may include publishing research papers, presenting findings, and reviewing technical proposals. This role tends to offer a dynamic work environment, with the potential for career growth into lead research roles, standards development, or specialized positions in academia and industry.

More about Cryptography Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Cryptography Research jobs? Cities with the most Cryptography Research job openings:
What states have the most Cryptography Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Cryptography Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cryptography Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cryptography Research jobs are:
Cryptography Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cryptography Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,222 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
Research Faculty Open Rank, Intelligence Community Portfolio

Research Faculty Open Rank, Intelligence Community Portfolio

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

$15.75 - $21.75/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

193rd of 539 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Research Faculty Open Rank, Intelligence Community Portfolio

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 535766
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: Vice President for Research
Department: VTNSI
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Categories: Information Systems / Technology, Research / Scientific, Data Analytics / Security

Job Description

Based on the foundation of the Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and Technology, Virginia Tech launched the Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) in September 2021. With a presence in Blacksburg and the Washington, D.C., metro area, the institute aspires to be the nation's preeminent academic organization at the nexus of interdisciplinary research, technology, policy, and talent development, the national security institute will advance national security in pursuit of a secure America.
The Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) is seeking to hire multiple research faculty, with particular emphasis on mid-career engineers and scientists and senior subject matter experts who bring strong technical depth combined with program development and sponsor engagement experience.
Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience in the execution and integration of research that spans technical domains relevant to intelligence missions. These positions emphasize technical integration, mission alignment, and high-quality research execution, while also contributing to sponsor engagement, portfolio growth, and program development.
As members of VTNSI's research faculty, individuals in these roles will serve as senior technical contributors and integrators in areas such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); geospatial intelligence; electronic warfare (EW); open-source intelligence (OSINT); cryptography; RF spectrum applications; and related cross-domain capabilities supporting intelligence community missions.
These positions are responsible for developing and executing classified research within specific areas of expertise while contributing to VTNSI's broader Intelligence Community (IC) portfolio through multidisciplinary collaboration and sponsor engagement. The role requires strong coordination across technical teams and alignment with operational contexts, sponsor priorities, and mission outcomes.
These opportunities are particularly well suited for individuals with strong cross-domain technical backgrounds who excel at translating mission needs into high-impact sponsored research efforts and who are interested in growing enduring partnerships across the intelligence community within a leading national security research institute.
Job duties will be adjusted depending on the rank and level of the position hired.
Key responsibilities for these positions include:
1. Lead development and execution of classified research programs - Translate mission needs and operational constraints into actionable research plans, architectures, and workflows. Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and ensure alignment across sensing, analytics, modeling, and mission integration activities. Address interoperability, performance, uncertainty, and system-of-systems challenges in mission-relevant environments.
2. Serve as a senior technical contributor in priority IC mission areas - Provide deep technical expertise in one or more areas such as ISR, geospatial intelligence, electronic warfare, RF systems, cryptography, and related cross-domain capabilities. Guide research direction, inform technical approaches, and help establish coherence across classified research efforts aligned with areas of expertise.
3. Support sponsor engagement and portfolio development - Engage intelligence community sponsors to clarify mission needs, contribute technical insights during sponsor interactions, and support proposal development and strategic planning where technical integration, execution risk, and mission relevance are central considerations.
4. Strengthen VTNSI's research ecosystem and institutional mission - Ensure research outputs are technically rigorous and mission-relevant. Mentor research staff, postdoctoral associates, and students engaged in classified research as appropriate. Collaborate across
VTNSI divisions, academic departments, and external partners to strengthen technical integration and overall impact.
This is an open-rank search. Final rank and job duties will be determined based on the candidate's background, skills and experience:
- Research Professor Track (Assistant Research Professor, Associate Research Professor, Research Professor): Typically suited for candidates with strong research leadership, proposal development experience, and engagement with students and academic units
-Research Scientist Track: Typically suited for candidates with deep technical expertise, program execution experience, and sustained sponsor-facing roles
These positions are expected to focus primarily on classified and mission-aligned sponsored research, with opportunities to contribute to technical leadership, program growth, and long-term sponsor partnerships.

Required Qualifications

-Doctoral degree in engineering, computer science, physical sciences, mathematics, or a closely related discipline. Master's degree with experience will be considered for Research Scientist track only.
-Demonstrated experience developing and executing and complex research programs in classified environments.
-Strong technical background in ISR, GEOINT, EW, or related mission areas.
-Experience contributing to externally sponsored research programs, including proposal development, technical authorship, or execution of funded research.
-Experience working directly with intelligence community sponsors in technical or execution-focused roles.
-U.S. citizenship and active TS/SCI clearance, with the ability to maintain clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

-Senior technical lead, chief engineer, or systems integrator experience within sponsor-funded, mission-oriented research enterprises.
-Experience serving as PI or co-PI on externally sponsored research programs. (Required for Research Professor Track.)
-Demonstrated ability to integrate technologies, data, and teams across domains.
-Experience mentoring interdisciplinary research teams in classified settings.
-Strong understanding of IC mission workflows and decision-making contexts.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Salary Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

40 hours per week

Review Date

3/31/2026

Additional Information

Due to the nature of the Institute's work, candidates must be US citizens. They must also have the ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact NSI Human Resources at nsihr@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: March 10, 2026
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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