Staff Cryptography Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Staff Cryptography Engineer. Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Responsibilities:

• Implement and maintain reference and bit-accurate models of ML-KEM, ML-DSA, and SLH-DSA/LMS using C, C++, Rust, and Python
• Develop optimized and constant-time implementations of cryptographic functions
• Build known-answer-test and test-vector infrastructure using NIST ACVP tooling
• Contribute to hardware-friendly implementations of Keccak, NTT, polynomial arithmetic, samplers, and encode/decode operations
• Support RTL and firmware engineers with cryptographic algorithm questions and debugging;
• Evaluate third-party cryptographic libraries
• Develop and maintain software and testing infrastructure for cryptographic hardware acceleration
• Support certification-oriented development and verification

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Cryptography, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field. PhD is a plus
• At least 5 years of experience implementing cryptographic algorithms or security-critical software
• Strong C, C++, or Rust programming skills
• Solid understanding of modern cryptographic primitives
• Understanding of post-quantum cryptography, particularly lattice-based or hash-based schemes, is preferred
• Strong understanding of the mathematics underlying modern cryptographic schemes;
• Experience writing correct, readable, and well-tested code
• Understanding of constant-time implementation and its importance for cryptographic security
• English fluency required
• French or German is an advantage

Preferred:

• Familiarity with NIST test-vector formats
• Experience with CAVP, ACVP, or certification-oriented development
• Experience implementing post-quantum cryptographic algorithms
• Interest in developing deep expertise in applied post-quantum cryptography
• Interest in working on real-world products with demanding security and correctness requirements

Benefits and Compensation:

• Competitive compensation package
• Benefits package and equity plan
• Flexible work models
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Career development opportunities within the IonQ group
• Dynamic environment with a global team of experts
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Matching 401(k)
• Unlimited PTO and paid holidays
• Parental and adoption leave
• Legal insurance
• Home technology stipend

Other Information:

• Compensation depends on education, qualifications, experience, location, and market data
• This position involves access to technology subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions
• Additional immigration and citizenship information may be required for export-control compliance
• Employment is subject to applicable background and risk screening;
• IonQ is an equal opportunity employer
• The position is based onsite in Geneva, Switzerland