SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
IonQ is a leading quantum computing platform company (NYSE: IONQ) delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. The company has achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, a world record in quantum computing performance, and operates globally with headquarters in College Park, Maryland.
You will join the team building post-quantum cryptography (PQC) hardware acceleration for HSM and network-appliance products. This is a hands-on development role at the heart of applied cryptography, working alongside some of the most experienced cryptographic engineers in the field.
Key Responsibilities:
- Implement and maintain reference and bit-accurate models of ML-KEM, ML-DSA, and SLH-DSA/LMS in C/C++/Rust and Python
- Develop constant-time software implementations of cryptographic functions
- Build known-answer-test and test-vector tooling (NIST ACVP) for verification and CAVP certification
- Decompose algorithms into hardware-friendly building blocks (Keccak, NTT, polynomial arithmetic, samplers, encode/decode)
- Support RTL and firmware engineers with algorithm questions and debugging
- Evaluate third-party cryptographic libraries under guidance of senior cryptography engineers
The role offers competitive compensation, equity, flexible work models, ongoing training, and a dynamic environment collaborating with a global team of experts.
Requirements:
- Master's degree (PhD preferred) in Cryptography, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field
- Minimum 5 years of experience implementing cryptographic algorithms or security-critical software in C/C++ or Rust
- Solid understanding of modern cryptographic primitives
- First exposure to post-quantum schemes (lattice-based or hash-based) and their underlying mathematics
- Strong focus on correctness; ability to write well-tested, readable code
- Understanding of constant-time implementation and its importance
- Fluency in English required; French or German advantageous
- Familiarity with NIST test-vector formats, CAVP/ACVP, or certification-oriented development is a plus
Note: This position requires access to U.S. export-controlled technology and may require U.S. Person status verification for export control and government contracts compliance.
