Crypto Subject Matter Expert (SME)

About The Role

Peraton is developing the next generation of mission‑critical command‑and‑control and enterprise software capabilities supporting the U.S. Government’s space communications infrastructure. Our teams deliver secure, resilient services that ensure trusted operations for complex, distributed mission systems.

As a Crypto Subject Matter Expert (SME), you will serve as the primary technical authority on cryptographic designs, PKI strategy, and identity‑centric security capabilities across the platform. You will decompose system‑level requirements into implementable cryptographic components, support architecture modeling within a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) environment, and guide engineering teams during development and testing. This role blends deep cryptographic expertise with hands‑on system engineering to ensure secure, scalable, and mission‑aligned solutions.

What you’ll do:

• 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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications :

• 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. The candidate must maintain the clearance
• 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• Active TS/SCI
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex cryptographic and system engineering concepts to cross‑functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with system engineers, MBSE teams, product leadership, and software development teams.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize technical work in a fast‑paced development environment.

Benefits:

Peraton offers enhanced benefits to employees working on this critical National Security program, which include heavily subsidized employee benefits coverage for you and your dependents, 25 days of PTO accrued annually up to a generous PTO cap and eligible to participate in an attractive bonus plan

Details

Target Salary Range: $146,000 - $234,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Benefits Statement: Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at 

Application Statements: The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in the role and the Company. During the review of your application, you may be required to participate in an on-camera interview, as well as participate in a process to verify your identity.

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.