Crypto Subject Matter Expert, SME

Peraton

Crypto Subject Matter Expert serving as the technical authority on cryptographic designs and security capabilities. Supporting development of mission‑critical command‑and‑control software for the U.S.

Posted 7/6/2026full-timeArlington • California, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $146,000 - $234,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudCyber SecurityPythonTypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Decompose system and element ‑ level requirements into component cryptographic requirements that support overall system functionality and security objectives.
Provide inputs to architecture teams and review system behavior captured within MBSE models to ensure accurate representation of cryptographic and identity services.
Support the Product Manager in creating and refining the software backlog related to cryptographic functions, PKI capabilities, and identity management features.
Guide Agile development teams during implementation and testing to ensure correct application of cryptographic protocols, certificate workflows, and Zero Trust principles.
Serve as the program’s technical authority on cryptographic design decisions, ensuring alignment with PKI strategy, system architecture, and mission security needs.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Associates degree and 14+ years of experience in a Systems Engineering related field; OR bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cloud Computing, or related field and 12+ years of experience in a Systems Engineering related field; OR a master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cloud Computing, or related field and 10+ years of experience in a systems engineering related field; OR a Ph.D. and 7+ years of experience.
Additional four (4) years of relevant experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
This position requires the candidate possess a minimum of Secret clearance with ability to upgrade to TS/SCI.
Experience performing cybersecurity, cryptographic engineering, or information systems security engineering activities in a software or system engineering environment.
Expert‑level understanding of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) architecture and operations, including certificate lifecycle management and key management processes.
Deep expertise in cryptographic protocols and technologies such as device endorsement, auditing, signing workflows, or certificate issuance.
Experience implementing authentication and authorization technologies such as OAuth 2.0, JWT, RBAC, or ABAC.
Proficiency in Python development with experience creating cryptographic automation such as key generation, certificate workflows, or PKI integrations.
Knowledge of Zero Trust architectures and identity‑centric security models.
Experience reviewing or contributing to system architectures, interface definitions, or MBSE models, with the ability to align cryptographic requirements to system design.
Experience supporting Agile development workflows, including backlog refinement, requirement clarification, or verification of implemented security features.

Benefits

Comp & perks

heavily subsidized employee benefits coverage for you and your dependents
25 days of PTO accrued annually up to a generous PTO cap
eligible to participate in an attractive bonus plan

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Cryptographic ProtocolsCertificate Lifecycle ManagementKey Management ProcessesAuthentication TechnologiesAuthorization TechnologiesMBSE ModelsSystem Architecture ReviewCryptographic AutomationDevice EndorsementSigning Workflows

Certifications

Secret ClearanceTS/SCI Clearance