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FWI (FedWriters, Inc.) · 3 days ago

Scientist/Engineer Level IV

Gaithersburg, MD

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$170K/yr - $170K/yr

5+ years exp

FWI (FedWriters, Inc.) is a recognized leader in cybersecurity, seeking a Cryptographic Researcher to enhance U.S. information systems security. The role involves conducting advanced cryptographic research, collaborating with NIST and international bodies, and leading the development of cryptographic standards and publications.

Communications InfrastructurePublishingText AnalyticsWeb Design

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Develop and revise NIST Special Publications (SP 800-197x and SP 800-38x series) including initial drafts, revisions based on internal comments, and public comment announcements

Conduct systematic research to identify common pitfalls and vulnerabilities in NIST-approved cryptographic primitives and their software/hardware implementations

Apply cryptanalysis, formal verification, black-box/white-box testing, and metamorphic analysis to discover implementation flaws and coding errors

Support NIST representatives in international standards organizations including ISO/IEC JTC1, X9F, IETF, and IEEE through technical reviews and recommendations

Prepare executive-ready technical reports, presentations, and documentation summarizing research findings and security recommendations

Assess and respond to public comments received on draft NIST publications and standards

Participate in NIST workshops and engage with the cryptographic community to gather feedback and diverse perspectives

Present research findings at internal meetings and external conferences to communicate NIST initiatives and emerging standards

Collaborate on outreach activities and maintain dialogue with practitioners, researchers, and industry experts

Provide monthly status reports documenting progress, completed deliverables, and upcoming activities

Maintain compliance with HSPD-12 requirements and federal security policies

Travel to attend at least three cryptographic conferences or meetings per performance period for community engagement

Qualification

Cryptography researchNIST standards developmentFormal methodsSymmetric-key cryptographyAutomated testing toolsTechnical writingMicrosoft Office SuiteAdobe AcrobatProject managementPresentation skills

Required

Master's degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field

Minimum 5+ years of experience in cryptography research with solid publications in international journals and conferences focused on Cryptography, Security, and Privacy

Deep knowledge of NIST SP 800-38: Recommendation for Block Cipher Modes of Operation series of publications

Expertise in the Cryptographic Algorithm Validation Program (CAVP) and techniques to identify and address cryptographic software flaws

Knowledge of cryptographic work conducted in ISO/IEC JTC1 SC27 and X9F standards organizations

Experience with formal methods for software assurance and algorithm validation

Strong technical writing and presentation skills for both technical and general audiences

Ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent projects with strict deadlines

Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat

U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status required for security clearance eligibility

Preferred

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related cryptographic field

Previous experience as contractor or researcher supporting NIST or other federal agencies

Publications in high-impact cryptographic journals and conference proceedings

Experience serving as liaison to international technical working groups

Background in block cipher standards development and review

Experience with automated testing tools and formal verification methods

Knowledge of symmetric-key cryptography and protocol analysis

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Plan

Holiday Pay

Paid Time Off

Company

FWI (FedWriters, Inc.)

Glassdoor4.4

FWI (FedWriters, Inc.) is a professional writing, research, and communications company that helps government and commercial customers develop and manage a range of projects and products.

Founded in 2010

Fairfax, Virginia, USA

201-500 employees