Cryptography Engineer

Position Description

Valiant Solutions is seeking a Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Engineer to join our rapidly growing and innovative cybersecurity team!

The Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Engineer will play a key role in a groundbreaking federal cybersecurity modernization effort, joining the project at its inception to help design and deliver the Department’s first enterprise-wide PQC solution. Working closely with senior government stakeholders, they will lead the technical journey from concept to implementation: shaping requirements, identifying and evaluating tools, designing the solution architecture, and driving deployment. This role offers a rare opportunity to influence how the federal government transitions to quantum-resilient encryption, advancing capabilities such as Automated Cryptographic Discovery and Inventory (ACDI) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) modernization in alignment with the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act. The successful candidate will combine hands-on engineering excellence with program vision, helping the Department build, integrate, and operationalize next-generation cryptographic protections that secure its mission for the post-quantum era.

Named one of the Best Places to Work in the Washington DC area for 11 consecutive years, Valiant is proud of our employee-centric culture and commitment to excellence. If you are interested in learning more about Valiant and this opportunity, we invite you to apply now!

This position allows for 100% remote work. Remote work requires a high level of trust in our employees, and we strictly adhere to the details outlined in our Remote Work Policy below.

Required Experience:

• 10+ years of experience performing engineering, technical, or program execution functions.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum certification: CISSP (or willingness to obtain within 3 months)
• Strong technical expertise in systems security engineering.
• Knowledge and practical experience with one or more of the following:
• Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) engineering and implementation.
• Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) design, integration, and management.
• Automated Cryptographic Discovery and Inventory (ACDI) technologies.
• Understanding of risks associated with PQC, PKI, and ACDI (technical, schedule, integration, etc.).
• Proficiency in engineering documentation, technical standards, and compliance with federal guidance.
• Experience supporting security compliance, risk management, and RMF (NIST SP 800-53).
• Excellent communication skills for working with government stakeholders, cross-functional teams, and technical groups.

Responsibilities:

PQC Solution Engineering

• Provide engineering and technical expertise in PQC, PKI, and Automated Cryptographic Discovery and Inventory (ACDI) implementation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define and refine PQC solution requirements.
• Deliver analyses, recommendations, and staffing support to advance PQC program goals.
• Develop engineering, implementation, and operations technical documents, schedules, and roadmaps.
• Support modernization of cryptographic inventory management from manual to automated processes using COTS/GOTS ACDI tools.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and provide recommendations to leadership.

PQC Solution Implementation

• Implement and operationalize the client's PQC technical solution in line with Department requirements.
• Deploy ACDI capabilities to generate cryptographic inventories of quantum-vulnerable systems.
• Conduct and document post-implementation evaluations to validate PQC solution effectiveness.
• Securely integrate PQC and ACDI with existing Department services (CDM, VM, Zero Trust, etc.).
• Prototype and test NIST-approved PQC algorithms and discovery tools.
• Install and configure hardware/software replacements and upgrades for PQC transition.

PQC Solution Operations & Support

• Provide operations and maintenance (O&M) of the PQC solution (COTS, GOTS, SaaS).
• Monitor solution health, performance, and availability; manage patching, upgrades, and optimization.
• Maintain accurate solution inventories, secure configuration baselines, and user account validation.
• Develop operational documentation including SOPs, playbooks, checklists, and user guides.
• Provide after-hours technical support for planned and emergency maintenance.
• Collaborate with SOC and other technical teams on incident response, process optimization, and integration.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Support PQC compliance with FISMA, NIST, and federal cybersecurity mandates.
• Drive Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities, including POA&M management and A&A processes.
• Prepare and maintain system security documentation (SSP, IRP, DRP, BIA, CP, etc.).
• Support audits by providing evidence, coordination, tracking, and corrective actions.
• Ensure ongoing risk management, continuous monitoring, and compliance with privacy and records management requirements.

About Valiant Solutions

Valiant Solutions is a security-focused IT solutions provider with public clients nationwide. Named one of the fastest growing privately held companies by Inc. 5000, Washington Technology’s Fast 50, and Washington Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in the D.C. area, Valiant Solutions prides itself on providing its employees with great benefits and career development opportunities. As a company, we are just as committed to growing careers as we are to building world-class IT solutions, all while enjoying an unparalleled work-life balance. We are in a phase of tremendous growth and building the team that will take us to the next level. We seek people whose talents and accomplishments will contribute to a thriving company, who have the character to support their capacity, and can make a positive impact on our culture. Alongside our talented team, you’ll learn to think quickly on your feet and expand your own personal and professional skill set. Our management team will inspire you to consider new perspectives and challenge you to become a better practitioner in the fast-paced industry of IT security. We hire people we respect – and we trust them to deliver results leveraging their expertise. If you would enjoy working in a dynamic environment as part of a stellar team of professionals, then we invite you to apply online today.

Benefits Snapshot (includes, but not limited to)Valiant pays 99% of the Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage for Full-time EmployeesValiant contributes 25% towards Health Coverage for Family and Dependents100% Paid Short Term Disability and Life Insurance Policy for Full-time Employees100% Paid Certifications401K Matching up to 4%Paid Time OffPaid Federal Holidays Paid Time On – 40 hours to pursue innovationWellness & Fitness ProgramValiant University – Online Education and Training PortalReimbursement for Public Transit and ParkingFSA programs for: Medical Costs, Dependent Care, Transit, and ParkingReferral Bonuses

The salary range for this position is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. It has been benchmarked in relation to the scope of the role, market rate, and internal equity. The salary for this role is expected to be in the $145,000 - $165,000 range. Where a candidate falls within the band can be determined based on one or more of the following: skillset, experience level, achievements, education, geographic location, security clearance, involvement in corporate tasks, and other non-discriminatory factors. In addition to the base salary, this role will include benefits as described below. Valiant reserves the right to adjust the salary range, experience requirements, and position responsibilities at any time without prior notice.

Remote Work Policy

Remote work necessitates a high level of trust in our employees. To ensure that employee performance does not suffer in a remote work environment, all employees who telecommute are expected to have a quiet and distraction-free workspace with adequate internet, dedicate their full attention and availability to their job duties during working hours, and maintain a schedule during core business hours that align with those of their coworkers and Valiant's clients. In alignment with Valiant's inclusive and engaging environment, cameras are encouraged and can be required to be on during virtual video conferences. Additionally, in alignment with the Office of the Inspector General’s effort to eliminate conflicting employment, all Valiant employees are required to disclose any current or future outside employment engagements. During onboarding and throughout employment, employees must disclose any current activities or intent to engage in outside employment or other professional activities and obtain written approval. Employees may not solicit or conduct any outside business during core business hours for Valiant Solutions and our clients.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Valiant Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or veteran status, in accordance with applicable law.

Physical Demands

Sitting or standing at a desk for prolonged periods of time and consistently operating a computer. Frequent communication and exchanging of accurate information via electronic communication, phones, and in person. Occasionally lift and/or move moderate amounts of weight, typically less than 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Authorization to Share Resume and Personal Information

By submitting your resume for this position, you authorize Valiant Solutions to share your resume, as well as, personal information included on the resume, with its subsidiaries, affiliates and teaming partners for the purpose of considering you for this position and other available positions requiring comparable skills, education and experience. Should Valiant Solutions or its affiliates and teaming partners wish to initiate pre-employment discussions, you will be asked to complete an employment application and related employment documents.