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Full Time Cryptography Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Compiler theory, cryptography, and malware deobfuscation techniques. * Mobile device development ... Full time/Part time Full time Pay Basis Salary More Information: * Please visit "Why Carnegie ...

$109.70K - $129.80K/yr

... research, translate/transcribe/gist, report, and analyze foreign intelligence ... Utilize your abilities in cryptologic language analysis to process audio and/or graphic materials ...

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Full Time Cryptography Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do full time cryptography researcher jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time cryptography researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Cryptography Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Cryptography Researcher, you need a solid background in mathematics, computer science, and cryptographic theory, often backed by a relevant advanced degree such as a Master's or Ph.D. Proficiency with programming languages like Python, C++, or Rust, familiarity with cryptographic libraries, and experience with research tools such as LaTeX are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set top candidates apart in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing secure cryptographic protocols, publishing research, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to address evolving security challenges.

What are some typical research challenges faced by a Full Time Cryptography Researcher, and how are they usually addressed within a team setting?

Full Time Cryptography Researchers often encounter challenges such as staying ahead of rapidly evolving security threats, validating the real-world applicability of theoretical algorithms, and ensuring their work aligns with industry standards. These challenges are typically addressed through regular collaboration with cross-functional teams, ongoing peer review, and participation in academic and industry conferences. Researchers also work closely with software engineers and product teams to integrate cryptographic solutions into practical applications, ensuring both security and efficiency.

What does a Full Time Cryptography Researcher do?

A Full Time Cryptography Researcher studies and develops mathematical algorithms and protocols to secure digital information. Their work often involves analyzing existing cryptographic systems, discovering vulnerabilities, and creating new methods to protect data from unauthorized access or cyber threats. They may collaborate with other researchers, publish academic papers, and help organizations implement secure communication systems. This role requires a strong background in mathematics, computer science, and cryptographic theory.

What is the difference between Full Time Cryptography Researcher vs Cryptography Analyst?

AspectFull Time Cryptography ResearcherCryptography Analyst
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees in Computer Science, Mathematics, or related fields; cryptography certificationsSimilar credentials, often with focus on security certifications and analytical skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, tech companies, academia; focus on developing new cryptographic methodsSecurity teams, financial institutions, government agencies; focus on analyzing and implementing cryptographic solutions
Employer & Industry UsageTech firms, research institutions, cybersecurity companiesFinancial services, government, cybersecurity firms

While both roles require strong cryptography knowledge and similar credentials, a Full Time Cryptography Researcher primarily focuses on developing new cryptographic algorithms and theories, whereas a Cryptography Analyst concentrates on analyzing, evaluating, and applying cryptographic solutions within organizations.

More about Full Time Cryptography Researcher jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cryptography Researcher jobs? The most popular types of Cryptography Researcher jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Cryptography Researcher jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Cryptography Researcher jobs are:
Infographic showing various Full Time Cryptography Researcher job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 1% Physical, and 99% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Reverse Engineer Researcher

Cmu

Pittsburgh, PA

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

About the role

The SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national resource in software engineering, computer security, and process improvement. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve software-intensive systems. Our core purpose is to help organizations improve software engineering capabilities and develop or acquire the right software, defect free, within budget and on time, every time.
The CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is seeking an applicant for the role of a Reverse Engineer Researcher for the Threat Analysis directorate. The SEI is a federally funded research and development center at Carnegie Mellon University.

What you'll do

  • Reverse engineer malicious code in support of high-impact customers, design and develop new analysis methods and tools, work to identify and address emerging and complex threats, and effectively participate in the broader security community

  • Perform in-depth reverse engineering of malicious code, document and transition results in reports, presentations, and technical exchanges

  • Explore ways to use artificial intelligence to support of reverse engineering and apply reverse engineering practices to artificial intelligence systems

  • Design, prototype, and transition new analysis methods and tools

  • Identify and document emerging and complex active security threats

  • Participate in the broader security community through collaboration, papers, and presentations

Who you are

  • You have BS in Computer Science or related discipline with eight (8) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with five (5) years of experience; OR PhD in the same fields with two (2) years of experience.

  • You enjoy working on emerging and complex malware analysis and reverse engineering problems.

  • You have an analytical mindset and deep curiosity about how software works.

  • You have the ability to balance rapid prototyping with maintainable tool development.

  • You have strong technical writing experience.

  • You recognize and deal appropriately with confidential and sensitive information.

  • You are able to handle continual shifting priorities.

  • You enjoy mentoring and training others as well as sharing knowledge.

  • You communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.

  • You have a willingness to travel to various locations to support the SEI's overall mission This includes sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion. Moderate Travel (15%)

  • You will be subject to a background check and obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance

You have experience with or knowledge of

  • Reverse engineering software binaries for a variety of architectures, both at the user level and kernel level

  • Static analysis tools (e.g. IDA Pro, NSA Ghidra, Binary Ninja)

  • User-level and kernel-level debuggers (e.g. x32dbg, x64dbg, gdb, WinDbg)

  • Native programminglanguages (e.g. C/C++).

  • High-level programming languages (e.g. Java, Python, GoLang, etc.)

  • Software engineering and design concepts

  • Firmware and device driver development

  • Malware tradecraft and threat actor tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)

  • Malware signature creation and use, independent of detection technology

  • Operating system concepts and internals and binary file formats (e.g. PE, ELF, Mach-O, etc.)

  • Internet Protocols and network analysis tools (e.g. Wireshark, netcat, etc.)

  • Compiler theory, cryptography, and malware deobfuscation techniques.

  • Mobile device development and reverse engineering

  • Malware sandboxes or instrumentation frameworks (e.g., Frida, QEMU, Unicorn Engine).

  • General understanding and experience in artificial intelligence and machine learningand using artificial intelligence to support reverse engineering and malware analysis

Why work here?

  • Join a world-class organization that has significant impact on software

  • Work with cutting edge technologies and experts to solve tough problems for the government and the nation

  • Get 8% monthly contribution for your retirement, without having to contribute yourself

  • Get tuition benefits to CMU and other institutions for you andyour dependent children

  • Enjoy a healthy work/life balance withflexible work arrangements and paid parental and military leave

  • Get access to university resources including mindfulness programs, childcare and back-up care benefits, a monthly transit benefit on WMATA, free transportation on the Pittsburgh Regional Transit System

  • Enjoy annual professional development opportunities; attend conferences and training or obtain a certification and get reimbursed for membership in professional societies

  • Qualify for relocation assistance and so much more

Location

Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type

Staff - Regular

Full time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

SalaryMore Information:
  • Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

  • Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

  • Statement of Assurance


About CMU

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Offices of mental health practitioners

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Harrisburg, PA, US