Sr. Software Engineer - Cryptographic Systems Architect - MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Lexington, MA
About the Job
The Secure, Resilient Systems and Technology Group develops architectures and technologies for ensuring security and resiliency of mission-critical systems, from drones and satellites to high-performance secure computing and information sharing. We are software developers, embedded systems engineers, cryptographers, computer scientists, systems analysts, and security architects, who share a common passion for solving the hardest technical problems in national security. We pursue innovative, high-impact, practical research in small, focused teams. We succeed by being involved in all R&D phases, including problem analysis and innovative solution design, system architecture, rapid prototyping and field-testing, and ultimately transfer of our technology to DoD, Intelligence Community, and other government sponsors, as well as to industry.
We have worked hard to create a culture in which everyone is empowered and supported in learning, growing, and realizing their full potential. We enjoy working together, and with our partners across the Laboratory, and we appreciate each other. Group climate and culture activities are strongly valued, with significant participation in Employee Resource Groups, community outreach, and socializing and team building.
Job Description
As a Cryptographic Systems Architect, you will be working as part of a small, energetic team, to take point on designing, prototyping, and reasoning about cryptographic applications in memory-safe Rust. You will advance the practice of modern secure-by-design software development, especially in the context of next generation cryptographic systems. You will be contributing to national security by creating forward-looking, impactful technologies and helping the group mature and transition these technologies outside the R&D environment into productization by Industry and eventual use.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Cryptography, Computer Security, System Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields, OR relevant experience
- Experience with applied cryptography and algorithms (e.g., AES, asymmetric crypto, etc.)
- Proficiency with and 2+ years of development experience in Rust
OR
Proficiency with and 5+ years of development experience in another systems programming language (e.g., C, C++, Java) - Knowledge and experience in two or more of the followin
- Familiarity with the software development lifecycle or DevSecOps, including design, documentation, and testing, as well as modern software development tools
- Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git) and/or continuous integration
- Active involvement in open-source development communities, particularly Rust
- Experience with analysis, architecture, design, or implementation of secure systems
- Solid understanding of data structures and algorithms
- Academic or professional research experience and/or publications in the areas of cryptography, secure and/or embedded development, computer and software security, resiliency, or language security
- Being a self-starter, having effective communication skills, and holding a willingness to continually learn and question in an interdisciplinary environment
Optional, Helpful Technical Skills
Helpful skills and experiences through work, classwork, and/or research include the followin
- Experience using/implementing or general familiarity with PQC asymmetric algorithms (e.g., Kyber, Dilithium, etc.)
- Experience developing and preparing devices or software for government certification (e.g., FIPS 140, NSA High-Assurance, etc.)
- Familiarity with threat modeling and security requirements analysis OR experience with secure development and verification of embedded systems (e.g., VHDL, ASM, etc.)
- Software development experience with SWaP-constrained devices
- Knowledge of best practices for hardware-software co-design
- Understanding of processors and SoC architecture
At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
- MIT-funded pension
- Matching 401K
- Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
- Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
- Mentorship programs
- A range of work-life balance options
- ... and much more!
Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.
Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.
MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.
Requisition ID: 40989
