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Director Cryptography Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... researching and developing cryptologic (cryptographic and cryptanalytic) solutions. They will be ... Self-starter with ability to manage time independently without direct supervision * Willing to ...

Sr Research Engineer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$164K - $222K/yr

... and directing the Research summer internship program. * Represents Verisign in related external ... Experience with network security, including cryptography, privacy, identification, and ...

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Director Cryptography Researcher information

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$29K

$117.6K

$227.5K

How much do director cryptography researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for director cryptography researcher in the United States is $117,556.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $169,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Director Cryptography Researcher vs Cryptography Researcher?

AspectDirector Cryptography ResearcherCryptography Researcher
CredentialsAdvanced degrees (M.S., Ph.D.), security certifications often preferredSimilar educational background, often with certifications like CISSP or GIAC
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing teams, strategic planningHands-on research, development, and analysis
Industry UsageUsed in organizations with large security teams, R&D departmentsCommon in research labs, security firms, tech companies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership vs technical roles in cryptographyClarifying technical research vs managerial positions

The main difference between a Director Cryptography Researcher and a Cryptography Researcher lies in their responsibilities. The director focuses on leadership, strategic planning, and overseeing research teams, while the researcher is primarily engaged in technical research and development. Both roles require strong credentials and industry experience, but their focus areas and work environments differ significantly.

More about Director Cryptography Researcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Cryptography Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Director Cryptography Researcher job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cryptography Researcher jobs? The most popular types of Cryptography Researcher jobs are:
What states have the most Director Cryptography Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Cryptography Researcher jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Cryptography Researcher jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Cryptography Researcher jobs are:
Infographic showing various Director Cryptography Researcher job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 31% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 19% Temporary, 38% Contract, and 4% Summer. Highlights an 66% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,556 per year, or $56.5 per hour.
Senior Cryptologist

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Riverside Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems. All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.

Position Overview

The Senior Cryptologist will contribute to a team responsible for researching and developing cryptologic (cryptographic and cryptanalytic) solutions. They will be expected to conduct in-depth mathematical analysis of cryptographic protocols and cryptographic primitives. Moreover, they will be expected to develop, test, debug, and push both code and documentation. Ideally they should have demonstrable experience in one high-level language (e.g., Python, MATLAB, etc.) and either C or Rust (experience programming cryptographic solutions in Rust is especially desired). The Senior Cryptologist should have the writing skills necessary to communicate their ideas and results to both internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, they must be able to contribute to technical marketing and proposal writing in their research area in addition to interfacing with team members across Riverside Research locations.

All Riverside Research opportunities require US citizenship.

Responsibilities

Job Responsibilities:

  • Perform in-depth mathematical/statistical analysis on algorithms and their output
  • Develop, test, optimize and verify cryptographic algorithms
  • Integrate algorithms into larger security solutions
  • Contribute to whitepapers and/or published papers that document innovative work performed
  • Collaborate with team members on debugging, reviewing papers/proposals, etc.
  • Participate in relevant internal and customer meetings, including overnight travel
  • Support Principal Investigators and Program Managers in the development of program documentation and other tasking

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Active TS clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Cybersecurity or a related field and 8 years of relevant experience, 6 years and a Masters, or 3 years and a PhD
  • Strong background in cryptology primarily with regards to its mathematical/computational underpinnings
  • 2 years direct experience in developing/analyzing cryptographic algorithms
  • Familiarity with cryptographic primitives (both “classical” and PQC)
  • Demonstrated proficiency in a high-level language (e.g., Python, MATLAB, etc.) and C or Rust
  • Self-starter with ability to manage time independently without direct supervision
  • Willing to travel to support customer/collaborator meetings

Desired Qualifications:

  • MS or PhD degree in a related technical field
  • Experience implementing cryptographic algorithms in Rust
  • Demonstratable experience in performing mathematical analysis on cryptographic primitives
  • Publication history in cryptography
  • Superior written and verbal communications skills

Global Comp

$140,000 - $180, 00 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Closing Statement

Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.