Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Consultant

Role Summary

We seek an experienced cybersecurity expert proficient in cryptographic fundamentals, PKI, security architecture, and enterprise security technologies to enhance our Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) services. This role involves driving PQC preparedness, conducting cryptographic discovery, creating a Cryptographic Bill of Materials (CBOM), evaluating quantum risks, and planning cryptographic transitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform assessments to determine PQC readiness and cryptographic maturity levels.
• Assist in cryptographic asset discovery and develop the CBOM accordingly.
• Identify cryptographic dependencies such as RSA, ECC, and Diffie-Hellman across various environments including applications, infrastructure, cloud, and networks.
• Evaluate PKI structures, certificate management processes, HSM, KMS, TLS, VPN, and key-management systems.
• Contribute to quantum-risk evaluations, design crypto-agility strategies, propose future architectures, and map out PQC migration paths.
• Support PQC pilot initiatives, assess vendors and technologies related to PKI/CLM, HSM/KMS, and PQC activation.
• Create client-facing deliverables, executive-level presentations, proposals, and reusable PQC methodologies and templates.

Background Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, IT, Engineering, or related disciplines.
• Experience levels: Senior Consultant with 4 to 5+ years in cybersecurity; Assistant Manager requiring 7+ years including leadership of workstreams or client engagements.
• In-depth knowledge of symmetric and asymmetric cryptography including RSA, ECC, Diffie-Hellman, AES, hashing, digital signatures, and key exchange techniques.
• Practical familiarity with PKI, certificate lifecycle management, HSM/KMS, TLS, and secure communication protocols.
• Experience in one or more areas: Security Architecture, PKI/IAM, Cloud Security, Network Security, Application Security/DevSecOps, or Infrastructure Security.
• Familiarity with PQC concepts, NIST PQC standards, ML-KEM, ML-DSA, and crypto-agility is advantageous.
• Strong consulting aptitude with effective client communication, documentation, and presentation capabilities.

Additional Expectations

• Lead PQC and cryptography assessment streams and conduct client workshops.
• Oversee technical outputs, engage stakeholders, and provide mentorship to junior staff.
• Participate in proposal creation, effort estimation, vendor negotiations, and business development activities.
• Contribute to advancing Protiviti’s PQC expertise and market strategies.

Preferred Certifications and Training

• CISSP, CCSP, or certifications in Security Architecture.
• SANS SEC530 / GIAC GDSA credentials.
• Training in IBM Quantum-Safe Cryptography, NIST/NCCoE PQC standards, Linux Foundation/PQCA, or equivalent PQC programs.