Security Engineer (Cryptography)

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

The Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Engineers 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, the engineers will lead the technical journey from concept to implementation: shaping requirements, identifying and evaluating tools, designing the solution architecture, and driving deployment. These roles offer 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 candidates 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 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 Employees Valiant contributes 25% towards Health Coverage for Family and Dependents 100% Paid Short Term Disability and Life Insurance Policy for Full-time Employees 100% Paid Certifications 401K Matching up to 4% Paid Time Off Paid Federal Holidays Paid Time On 40 hours to pursue innovation Wellness & Fitness Program Valiant University Online Education and Training Portal Reimbursement for Public Transit and Parking FSA programs for: Medical Costs, Dependent Care, Transit, and Parking Referral Bonuses