Cryptography Evaluator Engineer

h3Cryptography Evaluator Engineer /h3pJob Requisition ID: 21153 /ppDate Posted: 27 October 2026 /ppClosing Date: 17 November :59 CET/CEST /ppPublication Method: External Only /ppType of Appointment (learn more): Fixed-Term /ppDirectorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality /ppWorkplace: Redu, BE /ppGrade Band: A2
- A4 /ppThis is a non-renewable post for a limited duration of 4 years and open for the specific needs of a National Project. bAccordingly, the external candidate selected for this post will continue to be considered an external candidate for the purposes of any future applications to the Agency. /b /ph3Location /h3pESEC, Redu, Belgium /ph3Description /h3pCryptography Evaluator Engineer in the System Security Section (TEC-SES), End-to-End Systems Division, Systems Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality. /ppThe System Security Section is responsible for the end-to-end system security engineering of the Agency’s missions, projects and activities in space, ground and user segments and communication links, as well as at system, subsystem, element and equipment level. It covers missions from study phase to definition of requirements, design, development, security integration / verification, and security service preparation, across the full stack, from physical to application layer. /ppTo serve these functions, the System Security Section defines and executes the associated technology RD and studies, as well as the required security engineering standards. /ppUsing security laboratory facilities, the System Security Section performs vulnerability assessments at all levels of its responsibility, proposing detection methods, mitigation and protection measures, using security assessment tools and equipment. /ppThis position will support a third party activity for the development of a national capability on the evaluation and certification of cryptographic algorithms and protocols. /ph3Duties /h3pYour tasks and responsibilities will include: /pullisupporting the project manager by providing recommendations and guidance on the evaluation and certification of cryptographic algorithms; /liliregular reporting to the Project Manager on the status of the duties assigned under the Project; /lilidirect engagement with and advice to national customers and ESA experts on the strengths, weaknesses and design of cryptographic algorithms and parameter selection for them; /lilideriving recommendations on cryptographic algorithms in relation to use case and security strength; /lilifostering new security application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures in the field of crypto algorithm evaluation and certification; /lilisupporting the training of colleagues, as required; /lilicontinuously following technological trends and evolutions in the scientific fields relevant for this position, and in particular on the latest emerging threats, exploits, and industry trends; /lilibeing engaged in other technical activities outside the main project in the area of your expertise, as requested. /li /ulh3Technical competencies /h3pCryptographic Design and Protocol Engineering /ppMathematical Foundations of Cryptography /ppCryptanalysis and Cryptographic Security Assessment /ppFormal Security Analysis and Proof Evaluation /ppCryptographic Parameter Selection and Implementation Security /ppCryptographic Evaluation, Certification and Standards /ph3Behavioural competencies /h3pResult Orientation /ppOperational Efficiency /ppFostering Cooperation /ppRelationship Management /ppContinuous Improvement /ppForward Thinking /ppFor more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook /ph3Education And Professional Experience /h3pA PhD in a relevant domain is required for this post together with 3 years of relevant professional experience. /ph3Additional Requirements /h3h3Experience in: /h3ullithe design of cryptographic algorithms and protocols; /lilianalysis of real-world security strength of public and private key crypto algorithms; /lilithe justified selection of parameter sets for real world crypto algorithms; /lilithe certification of crypto algorithms; /lilidealing with crypto evaluation facilities and good knowledge of formal crypto evaluation test standards and analysis of formal evaluation results. /li /ulh3Very good knowledge of: /h3ullimathematical foundations of modern public and private key crypto algorithms; /lilinumber theory, abstract algebra, probability, discrete mathematics and computational complexity; /lilisecurity definitions, assumptions, and formal security proofs and how to assess them; /lilihow to to identify weaknesses in algorithm design and cryptographic constructions; /lilidifferential and linear cryptanalysis, algebraic attacks, statistical attacks, and relevant attacks on public-key systems; /lilihow to evaluate brute-force resistance, key sizes, security margins, and atta