Cryptography Firmware Engineer

Overview

LMI is seeking an Cryptography Firmware Engineer to support the development of secure embedded systems for next-generation mesh networking products used by Department of Defense customers. This role focuses on implementing embedded cryptographic capabilities, integrating hardware security features, and developing secure key management solutions across LMI’s product portfolio.

The ideal candidate has experience with embedded firmware development and an interest in applied cryptography. You will help integrate the Nordic nRF54L Series AES-256 hardware accelerator, develop secure firmware features, and build a repeatable test environment to validate cryptographic functionality and fleet-wide key management processes.

U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates must be eligible to obtain a Secret security clearance. An active Secret clearance is preferred.

LMI is a new breed of digital solutions provider dedicated to accelerating government impact with innovation and speed. Investing in technology and prototypes ahead of need, LMI brings commercial-grade platforms and mission-ready AI to federal agencies at commercial speed. 

Leveraging our mission-ready technology and solutions, proven expertise in federal deployment, and strategic relationships, we enhance outcomes for the government efficiently and effectively. With a focus on agility and collaboration, LMI serves the defense, space, healthcare, and energy sectors, helping agencies navigate complexity and outpace change. Headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, LMI is committed to delivering impactful results that strengthen missions and drive lasting value. 

Responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain embedded firmware supporting secure communications and cryptographic functionality.
• Integrate and optimize use of the nRF54L Series AES-256 hardware accelerator within embedded firmware.
• Design, implement, and validate secure key management capabilities for embedded devices.
• Develop and maintain a cryptographic test laboratory to support verification of encryption, authentication, and key management processes.
• Create repeatable test procedures for device provisioning, key rotation, and fleet-wide cryptographic key updates.
• Collaborate with hardware, firmware, cybersecurity, and systems engineering teams to implement secure embedded architectures.
• Support hardware integration, firmware validation, and production readiness activities.
• Participate in design reviews and contribute to security architecture discussions.
• Document firmware designs, cryptographic workflows, and validation procedures.
• Support customer demonstrations, lab testing, and occasional field integration activities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related STEM field.
• 3–6 years of embedded firmware development experience using C/C++.
• Experience developing firmware for embedded microcontrollers.
• Basic understanding of applied cryptography, including AES encryption, secure key storage, and authentication.
• Familiarity with embedded hardware peripherals and communication interfaces such as SPI, UART, I2C, and GPIO.
• Experience debugging embedded systems using standard development tools.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Nordic Semiconductor nRF54 Series microcontrollers.
• Experience implementing hardware cryptographic accelerators or secure elements.
• Familiarity with secure boot, secure firmware updates, and device provisioning.
• Experience developing key management or certificate management solutions.
• Familiarity with FIPS 140-3 or other embedded security standards.
• Experience supporting DoD or government technology programs.
• Active Secret security clearance.

Travel

• Approximately 10–20% travel for customer support, engineering collaboration, hardware integration, manufacturing coordination, and field testing as required.

Target salary range: $90,000 - 130,000

Disclaimer: The salary range displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation. Individual salaries are determined by various factors including, but not limited to location, internal equity, business considerations, client contract requirements, and candidate qualifications, such as education, experience, skills, and security clearances.

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Applicants must meet eligibility requirements for a U.S. Government security clearance. Only US Citizens are eligible for a security clearance. For this position, LMI will only consider applicants with security clearances or applicants who are eligible for security clearances, due to the nature of the work.

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