Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Lead

Tyto Athene is seeking a PQC Lead to architect our vision for quantum-resilient security. You will be the technical and strategic engine behind our PQC risk remediation practice, neutralizing the "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" (HNDL) threat and future-proofing critical infrastructure.

As the primary architect of Tyto's PQC strategy, you will bridge the gap between hard-core cryptographic theory and establishing service offerings to comprehensively mitigate mission-critical PQC risk. You will lead the development of differentiated PQC IP, partner with DoD/IC stakeholders, and deploy frameworks designed to ensure unbreakable encryption against the quantum threats of 2030 and beyond.

Responsibilities:

• Practice Leadership: Evolve and industrialize Tyto's PQC offerings, overseeing the creation of knowledge artifacts and technical remediation IP. Lead PQC practice build-out, including cryptographic inventory, risk assessment, and migration roadmap to NIST standards / CNSA 2.0 compliance. Integrate AI/ML for crypto discovery, vulnerability assessment, and agentic cyber operations involving PQC.
• Strategy & Architecture: Design and deploy PQC frameworks (Kyber/Dilithium) for hybrid networks and future-proof compute platforms.
• Risk Mitigation: Conduct HNDL audits, compatibility testing, and performance validation to assess and remediate quantum risk.
• Compliance & Migration: Ensure strict NSA/NIST compliance for both classified and unclassified federal migrations.
• Mission Integration: Lead pilots within the DoD/IC and integrate PQC with broader cyber modernization and infrastructure initiatives.

Qualifications

Required:

• Advanced Academic Background: MS or PhD in Cryptography with deep expertise in lattice-based and hash algorithms.
• Federal Cyber Experience: 5+ years of experience in federal cybersecurity, including direct involvement in NSA/NIST pilots.
• Encryption Mastery: 10+ years of experience in classic encryption/secure systems engineering and PKI infrastructures, with 2-3 years' experience in planning and mitigating cryptographic risk posed by cryptographically relevant quantum computing. Deep expertise in PQC algorithms, cryptographic engineering, and secure protocol design. Deep expertise in NIST PQC algorithms (e.g., ML-KEM, ML-DSA), cryptographic engineering, and protocol design. Strong understanding of AI/ML applied to cyber operations and PQC migration.
• Strategic Partnering: Proven ability to curate and manage partners for inventorying, distributed key management, and PQC-resistant solutions.

Desired:

• Active NSA CRADA participation.
• Hardware integration experience (chips/FPGAs).
• Experience with fintech PQC deployments or PQC implementations in constrained/tactical DoW/IC environments.
• Publications, patents, or recognized contributions to the cryptographic community.
• Familiarity with agentic AI orchestration and autonomous cyber operations.

Clearance:

• Must be TS/SCI eligible.

About Tyto Athene

Compensation:

• Compensation is unique to each candidate and relative to the skills and experience they bring to the position. This does not guarantee a specific salary as compensation is based upon multiple factors such as education, experience, certifications, and other requirements, and may fall outside of the above-stated range.

Tyto Athene is a trusted leader in IT services and solutions, delivering mission-focused digital transformation that drives measurable success. Our expertise spans four core technology domains-Network Modernization, Hybrid Cloud, Cybersecurity, and Enterprise IT-empowering our clients with cutting-edge solutions tailored to their evolving needs. With over 50 years of experience, Tyto Athene proudly support Defense, Intelligence, Space, National Security, Civilian, Health, and Public Safety clients across the United States and worldwide.

At Tyto Athene, we believe that success starts with our people. We foster a collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven environment where every team member plays a critical role in shaping the future of technology. Are you ready to join #TeamTyto?

Tyto Athene, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, [sexual orientation, gender identity,] national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any characteristic protected by applicable law.