1099 consultant · ~120–600 hrs per funded award · $35–$90/hr · Remote (U.S.)

Applied Cryptography & Post-Quantum Security Engineer

Help us get cryptography right in the systems we build for government customers, and move them to post-quantum algorithms without breaking what already works.

About Precision Federal

Precision Federal is a small business building AI, data and software systems for government agencies. The company’s founder loves God, and the company is built on Christian faith: every number we publish is real, every claim we make is verifiable, and the work is done with excellence as service to God. Faith is welcome here and openly shared.

How this role works

You join the bench. You apply with your weekly hours and start time. We set your hourly rate from your résumé, and we may name you on proposals that match this role. If we don't win, you owe nothing.
A contract is awarded. The award funds the team named in the proposal. Your engagement begins at the hourly rate we agreed on.
You work remote, paid from the contract. ~120–600 hrs per funded award — and if no award ever funds, you owe nothing and lose nothing.

What you'll do

Review how our systems use encryption, signatures, key exchange and key management, and tell us where they are weak or wrong
Plan and build the move to post-quantum algorithms such as ML-KEM and ML-DSA, including hybrid modes, crypto agility and inventories of where cryptography lives
Check claims about cryptographic strength, performance and compliance before they reach the Government
Point us at the standard, the validated library or the reference implementation we should be using

Required qualifications

Hands-on experience designing, implementing or reviewing cryptographic systems or protocols in production or research code
Working knowledge of post-quantum cryptography, including the NIST FIPS 203, 204 and 205 algorithms or comparable schemes
U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (U.S. person)
Willing to be named on a federal proposal with a one-page resume, and to sign a short letter of commitment

Preferred qualifications

Experience with FIPS 140-3 validated modules, CNSA 2.0, or NIST SP 800-series key management guidance
Work with TLS, IKE/IPsec, SSH, PKI or HSMs in a migration or hardening effort
Side-channel analysis, constant-time implementation, or formal verification of cryptographic code
Contributions to open-source cryptographic libraries such as liboqs, OpenSSL, BoringSSL or Bouncy Castle

Compensation & structure

1099 consulting engagement. $35–$90 per hour; we set your rate from your résumé and experience. Hours are funded by federal contract awards — this seat is scoped at roughly 120–600 hours per funded award, fully remote. Work and pay begin only if the contract is awarded — no award, no hours, no obligation.

Join the bench — Applied Cryptography & Post-Quantum Security Engineer

Every application is read. It takes about 5 minutes.

This is a bench, not a job offer. Work starts when we win a contract that needs you.
We may name you on proposals. If that contract is awarded, you do the role at the rate and hours we agree on.
Paid hourly as a 1099 contractor; full-time roles may be W-2. If your background fits, we will email you.

First name *

Last name *

Email *

Phone *

Work authorization *

LinkedIn or portfolio link

What state do you live in? *

Resume (PDF or Word) *

Questions

Answer from your own experience. A few sentences each is plenty; be specific and tell us what you did yourself.

Precision Federal was founded on Christian values. Our faith in God shapes how we work: many of us openly share our personal faith, share our lives together, and pray for one another. We’re building a close-knit community where we truly care about each other. Taking part is always voluntary, and people of every faith and background are welcome. As we get to know you, you’re always welcome to share your own faith with us.

1. Cover letter. In your own words, tell us about yourself: what guides you (for many of us here, that’s our faith in God), your background, and why this role interests you. *

2. Describe the cryptography or post-quantum project most like this role: the system or protocol, the algorithms and key management involved, a problem you found or solved, your role, and the result. *

Availability

Pay for this role: $35–$90 an hour, set by your experience.

Hours per week you could give on an awarded contract (all part-time, up to 30) *

If you are named and we win, will you be able to start within a few weeks? *

May we name you on proposals for this role, and if we win, will you do the work at the rate we agree on? *

I agree to the Applicant Terms. *

Questions? careers@precisionfederal.com · See all open roles