The Cryptographic Security Testing (CST) Lab within Accredited Testing and Evaluation (AT&E) at Leidos currently has an opening for a FIPS 140 Entropy Specialist. This is a technical position within CSTL. The FIPS 140 Entropy Specialist acts as a Subject Matter Expert in the field of entropy within the scope of the Entropy Source Validation (ESV) program run by the NIST and is expected to lead entropy sources through all phases of work in order to achieve ESV certification.
Primary Responsibilities:
Analysis of entropy sources against NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-90B
Statistical testing of noise datasets
Review of entropy assessment reports and public use documents
Submission of ESV packages through the NIST Entropy Source Validation Test System (ESVTS)
General security analysis
Cryptographic algorithm testing
Source code review activities
Test case development/execution
Technical report writing and review
Basic Qualifications:
Minimum Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related technical discipline.
Expert knowledge of SP 800-90B and entropy related requirements from FIPS Implementation Guidance (IG).
Familiarity of cryptographic encryption algorithms, key exchange algorithms, hashing/message authentication algorithms, PKI, random number generators, etc.
Experience with various programming languages (C, C++, Python or Java) and development environments.
Ability to comprehend security standard requirements and apply them to products.
Knowledge of common security related protocols and their design (i.e. SSH, IPsec, TLS, etc.).
Experience building testing environments, performing testing and reporting results (technical writing).
Strong problem-solving skills.
Strong multitasking and time management.
Preferred Qualifications:
CVP certification is not required for this role, however, it is highly recommended and should be pursued to enhance skills and career development within the field.
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:July 9, 2026For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related technical discipline
- Expert knowledge of NIST SP 800-90B and FIPS Implementation Guidance entropy requirements
- Experience analyzing and statistically testing noise datasets for entropy assessment
- Familiarity with cryptographic encryption, key exchange, hashing, MACs, PKI, and RNGs
- Experience with programming languages C, C++, Python or Java
- Experience submitting ESV packages via the NIST Entropy Source Validation Test System (ESVTS)
- Knowledge of security protocols (SSH, IPsec, TLS) and ability to apply standards to products
- Experience building test environments, developing/executing test cases, and technical report writing
- Source code review and general security analysis experience
- Strong problem-solving, multitasking and time management skills
- Pursuit of CVP (recommended)
Leidos Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Leidos and has not been reviewed or approved by Leidos.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive, with multiple plan options, low office-visit copays in some plans, and access to mental health and wellness support tools. The availability of HSA/FSA options and employer contributions is positioned as a meaningful part of the total package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are framed as a strong component of total rewards, highlighted by a 401(k) match and immediate vesting in the standard package. The Employee Stock Purchase Plan is also presented as an additional long-term wealth-building feature.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle supports extend beyond core insurance, including wellness programs, fitness-related stipends, and assistance resources. Work flexibility and related perks are also included as part of the broader rewards experience.
Leidos Insights
What We Do
We Are Leidos For 50 years we have been tackling some of the biggest problems that face our nation and our world. OUR MISSION Through our culture of innovation and history of performance, we develop deep customer trust built on integrity and create enduring solutions that improve our world. Leidos is a science and technology solutions leader working to address some of the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and healthcare markets. The company’s 43,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Va., Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $11.09 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2020. Leidos was cited for the meaningful work employees perform that is challenging, impactful, and aligned with our customers’ missions as reasons professionals want to work and stay at our company. Leidos has also been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®. Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Employees appreciate our flexible work environment, allowing for and encouraging a true work-life balance. Our professionals are also excited about our Employee Resource Groups, like the newly launched Collaborative Outreach with Remote and Embedded Employees (CORE), which strives to create an environment where every employee, regardless of location, feels fully engaged as a valued employee of Leidos. Your most important work is ahead.
