Lead Engineer, Cryptography Engineer - Blockchain Specialist

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Department Summary:

The Cryptography, ICAM and System Assurance department is comprised of an inspired multi-disciplinary team of researchers and practitioners driving innovation in the department's technical areas of focus, with particular emphasis in Cryptography and Trust; Software Assurance (SWA); Identity, Credential and Access Management (ICAM); and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI). We develop and apply scalable approaches for systems and software, evaluate technology and solutions, lead and foster external partnerships within the communities we support, and conduct novel research and development. We serve in critical roles including:

• Aiding the Federal Government as a community in architecting and applying modern cryptography and PQC technologies to secure systems, software, and protocols.
• Developing strategies, assessing policy and technical constraints, and facilitating the deployment of cryptography solutions into cloud, hybrid, and on-premises infrastructures for enterprise and tactical environments. As senior trusted advisors and leaders within the cryptography and PQC community internally and external to MITRE, we apply our knowledge of industry trends, advances in commercial technology, and relevant industry standards and protocols to inform our sponsors' decision-making.
• Performing research and development, evaluation and testing and operational support for high-priority sponsor mission applications, MITRE Labs strategic initiatives, and MITRE's internal research and development program.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Lead projects and R&D functions that are focused on cryptographic foundations as they apply to blockchain, understanding on distributed ledger technology, digital assets, cryptocurrency, and Web3 ecosystems
• Understand and analyze DeFi, DAOs/Governance, smart contracts and other tokenized or digital asset concepts
• Lead efforts to determine vulnerabilities, threats, and risks that may compromise digital asset ecosystems
• Develop actionable frameworks and plans to safeguard digital asset ecosystems
• Serving as digital assets subject matter expert leading trainings and educational sessions for internal teams and sponsors

Basic Qualifications:

• 8+ years of work experience with a Bachelor's Degree, 5 years of work experience with a Masters, or at least 3 years of work experience with a PhD
• Demonstrated experience, knowledge and passion in topics that include Zero Knowledge cryptography, threshold cryptography, and post quantum cryptography
• Experience in cybersecurity applied to cryptocurrencies and digital assets (e.g. key management concepts, understanding of KYC, on-chain analysis, and consensus protocols)
• Demonstrable technical program or technical project management experience.
• Strong analytical/problem-solving skills and sound technical judgment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results and collaborate across teams.
• Ability to work effectively in secure/classified environments.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Obtaining Secret clearance within one year of hire

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Mathematics or related field.
• Broad exposure to cryptography and applied methods
• Knowledge on Internet and network engineering
• Experience applying cryptographic standards and guidelines in real-world deployed systems
• TS eligibility preferred.

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
None

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
None

Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$158,800 - $198,500 - $238,200 Annual

Work Location Type:
Hybrid

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Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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