Cryptologist

About the Job

Armscor is looking for a Crypologist who will design, develop, implement, test, and evaluate advanced cryptographic systems and secure communication solutions that protect the organisation’s information, digital assets, and critical infrastructure against evolving cyber threats. The role offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge security initiatives and innovative defence technology solutions within a highly specialised environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

CRITICAL PERFORMANCE AREA

The incumbent will be responsible to perform the following functions but not limited to;

Cryptographic Systems Engineering

• Design, configure, test, and commission cryptographic security products within secure client environments.

• Conduct structured security evaluation of cryptographic solutions, including functional testing, stress testing, and compliance validation.

• Perform cryptographic system behaviour analysis across networks and endpoints to evaluate vulnerabilities, protocol integrity, and key management mechanisms.

• Design secure communication architectures, including VPN configurations, routing policies, firewall rules, and encryption overlays.

• Document technical specifications, evaluation reports, risk findings, and system improvement recommendations for client approval and audit compliance.

Secure Network & Systems Integration

• Architect and deploy secure virtual and physical test environments aligned to defence security standards.

• Integrate cryptographic products with third-party applications and enterprise systems.

• Develop integration operating procedures and technical handover documentation.

• Lead technical commissioning and operational acceptance testing in client environments.

• Deliver structured technical training and knowledge transfer to DOD or client personnel on deployed systems.

Signal Processing & Secure Communications

• Design, implement, and validate signal processing algorithms using appropriate programming languages.

• Analyse and implement secure data protocols, encoding, and transmission techniques.

• Integrate software-defined radio technologies into secure communication architectures.

• Conduct performance testing of signal security and encryption robustness under operational conditions.

• Evaluate emerging signal protection technologies and recommend improvements aligned to defence requirements.

Cybersecurity Testing & Vulnerability Assessment

• Conduct penetration testing and security assessments on deployed cryptographic systems.

• Analyse identified vulnerabilities, determine root causes, and develop mitigation strategies.

• Establish and maintain controlled network test environments for security concept validation.

• Evaluate security posture of integrated cryptographic systems against national and defence standards.

• Compile formal security assessment reports and present findings and remediation strategies to stakeholders

Data Analytics, Monitoring & Incident Response

• Analyse system and network logs to identify anomalies, security breaches, and operational faults.

• Design and implement log collection, correlation, and alerting mechanisms within Security Operations Centre environments.

• Develop and refine incident investigation procedures for cryptographic and network security events.

• Conduct root cause analysis where standard diagnostic procedures are insufficient.

• Develop automation scripts to enhance monitoring efficiency, reporting accuracy, and response time

KNOWLEDGE & FUNCTIONAL SKILLS

• Knowledge of cryptographic principles, applied encryption techniques, coding theory, and secure key management

• Working knowledge of computer networks, operating systems, databases, and application/system architecture

• Knowledge of information and network security fundamentals, vulnerability assessment, and penetration testing

• Ability to design, configure, and manage secure virtual and operational environments

• Ability to integrate cryptographic and security solutions with third-party systems and enterprise applications

• Knowledge of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) fundamentals, secure data encoding, and implementation/testing of DSP algorithms (C++/Octave/Python)

• Working knowledge of Software Defined Radio frameworks and secure communication systems (advantageous)

• Ability to develop scripting/automation solutions and analyse system/network logs for monitoring, fault finding, and incident investigation; knowledge of data analytics techniques (advantageous)

Desired Experience & Qualification

QUALIFICATION

Essential

• Grade 12

• Bachelor’s degree (NQF 7) in Computer Science, Cryptography, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, IT.

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• 5 years’ relevant experience in cryptography, cybersecurity, secure communications, or electronic/signal security engineering.

• Proven experience in the design, implementation, testing, and evaluation of cryptographic systems within secure or regulated environments.

• Demonstrated experience in integrating cryptographic or security solutions into enterprise or defence-related systems.

• Experience in conducting vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, or security analysis of networked systems.

• Hands-on experience with secure network configuration, including VPNs, firewalls, routing, and encryption overlays.

Interested?

NB: All applicants must indicate reference number of the position they are applying for in the subject heading.

Short-listed candidates will be subjected to reference checking, verification of personal data and security clearance as part of the selection process.  In line with Armscor’s commitment to compliance with the Employment Equity Act, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups.  People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.