Principal Engineer - Classical Cryptography & Architecture

About the role

The Principal Engineer will own the classical cryptography architecture for post-quantum hardware acceleration products, including HSM and network-appliance applications. This role involves defining hybrid classical and post-quantum schemes, managing crypto-agility, and ensuring interoperability with existing security ecosystems. The successful candidate will serve as the senior authority for the classical and hybrid layer, guiding implementation teams and supporting certification processes.

Responsibilities

• Own the architecture and implementation strategy of classical cryptographic functions including symmetric ciphers, hash functions, and entropy architecture
• Define hybrid classical/post-quantum schemes and crypto-agility mechanisms for secure customer migration
• Track standardization of hybrid and composite approaches such as NIST guidance and IETF work
• Guide RTL and software engineers in implementing classical cores and evaluate third-party IP
• Support FIPS 140-3 and CAVP certification of the classical algorithm suite
• Manage key-hierarchy architecture to ensure interoperability with HSM, TLS, and IPsec ecosystems

Required skills

• Classical Cryptography
• Post-Quantum Cryptography
• FIPS 140-3
• Common Criteria
• Symmetric Ciphers
• Asymmetric Primitives
• Key Management
• Entropy Generation
• NIST PQC standards
• TLS
• IPsec
• PKI
• HSM

Nice to have

• French
• German

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Cryptography, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or a related field
• PhD in Cryptography, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or a related field

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Unlimited PTO
• Paid holidays
• Parental leave
• Adoption leave
• Legal insurance
• Home technology stipend

About the Company

IonQ, Inc. is a leading quantum platform and merchant supplier delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. The company operates globally and provides quantum computing services through major cloud providers.