Within Riverside Research, the Open Innovation Center (OIC) conducts internally funded and contract-funded R&D to develop technologies with lasting practical impact. The Secure and Resilient Systems (SRS) group within OIC focuses on rigorous approaches to building trustworthy computing systems.
SRS seeks a Research Engineer – Cryptography to develop, prototype and evaluate cryptographic solutions (primitives, protocols, systems, etc.). The engineer will contribute to a range of collaborative R&D projects, working with colleagues across formal methods, cryptography, and programming languages.
We are looking for a research engineer with a background in cryptography interested in applying their skillset to a wide-range of problems including, but not limited to, multiparty computation (MPC), cryptographic device design and implementation, and cryptographic implementation analysis. A strong candidate has worked on implementing cryptographic primitives, read standards and research on cryptography, and are familiar with implementation-specific attacks on cryptography.
Responsibilities
- Implement and analyze cryptographic solutions.
- Develop efficient solutions and integrate into larger applications.
- Follow software engineering best practices; design, develop, review, test, and validate software.
- Collaborate on multidisciplinary research with colleagues in formal methods, cryptography, programming languages, systems software, and related areas.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity, or a related field; 3+ years of relevant engineering experience.
- Experience in implementing cryptographic schemes, primitives, and distributed systems.
- Proficiency in systems programming languages (C, C++, Rust) with the ability to learn Rust.
- Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly in writing and in presentations, and to collaborate effectively with researchers from different disciplines.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
Desired Qualifications
Beneficial but not required:
- Experience implementing cryptography with the Rust programming language.
- Experience working with embedded systems.
- Experience evaluating implementations for cryptographic weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
- Experience working on certified cryptographic systems.
- Experience in optimizing and benchmarking applications.
- Research experience in cryptography and cryptographic protocol development.
- A publication record or other demonstrated contributions to research in security or cryptography.
- Familiarity with recent post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards and primitives.
- Existing TS security clearance.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity, or a related field
- 3+ years of relevant engineering experience
- Experience implementing cryptographic schemes, primitives, and distributed systems
- Proficiency in systems programming languages including C, C++, or Rust
- Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly in writing and presentations
- Ability to collaborate effectively with researchers from different disciplines
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance
- U.S. citizenship
- Experience implementing cryptography with Rust
- Experience working with embedded systems
- Experience evaluating cryptographic implementations for weaknesses and vulnerabilities
- Experience working on certified cryptographic systems
- Experience optimizing and benchmarking applications
- Research experience in cryptography and cryptographic protocol development
- Publication record or demonstrated contributions to security or cryptography research
- Familiarity with post-quantum cryptography standards and primitives
- Existing TS security clearance
What We Do
Founded in 1967, Riverside Research is a not-for-profit organization chartered to advance scientific research for the benefit of the US government and in the public interest. Through our open innovation concept, we invest in multi-disciplinary research and development and encourage collaboration to accelerate innovation and advance science. Riverside Research conducts independent research in machine learning, trusted systems, optics and photonics, electromagnetics, plasma physics, radio frequency systems, and biomedical engineering. We move science from the laboratory to the field by building teams of recognized experts who deliver effective, high-value solutions and services to our customers. From public service to national security, we aspire to be a valued partner through our unwavering commitment to innovative and mission-focused solutions.
