Sr. Software Engineer - Cryptographic Systems Architect

MIT Lincoln Laboratory - Lexington, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Lexington, MA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Sr. Software Engineer - Cryptographic Systems Architect position at MIT Lincoln Laboratory involves designing, prototyping, and reasoning about cryptographic applications using memory-safe Rust. The role focuses on advancing secure-by-design software development practices, particularly for next-generation cryptographic systems, contributing to national security through impactful technology development and transitioning these technologies into industry applications.

Responsibilities

• Design and prototype cryptographic applications in memory-safe Rust.
• Advance secure-by-design software development practices.
• Contribute to the development of next-generation cryptographic systems.
• Collaborate with a small team to solve complex technical problems in national security.
• Participate in all R&D phases including problem analysis, solution design, and technology transfer.

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).
• Proficiency with and 2+ years of development experience in Rust, or 5+ years in another systems programming language (e.g., C, C++, Java).
• Familiarity with the software development lifecycle or DevSecOps, including design, documentation, and testing.
• Knowledge of 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 cryptography, secure development, or computer security.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with PQC asymmetric algorithms (e.g., Kyber, Dilithium).
• Experience preparing devices or software for government certification (e.g., FIPS 140).
• Familiarity with threat modeling and security requirements analysis.
• Experience with secure development and verification of embedded systems (e.g., VHDL, ASM).
• Software development experience with SWaP-constrained devices.
• Knowledge of best practices for hardware-software co-design.
• Understanding of processors and SoC architecture.

Benefits

• 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