Associate Research Director - Formal Methods & Cryptography

Associate Research Director - Formal Methods & Cryptography

Two Six Technologies is seeking an Associate Research Director to lead technical program delivery and drive business development in the areas of formal methods, cryptography, and high‑assurance software and hardware systems.

Ideal candidates combine mathematical depth, the ability to explain technical concepts clearly, and a passion for applying pure mathematics and logic in mission‑focused settings.

• Provide technical and programmatic oversight of cybersecurity R&D projects with a focus in formal methods, cryptography, programming language theory, applied category theory, and other disciplines within applied mathematics.
• Engage directly with new and existing relationships with customers, partners, and collaborators across the government R&D community to shape new research opportunities.
• Lead capture activities and proposal development and writing to secure new R&D programs and expand organizational capabilities.
• Guide multidisciplinary, cross‑organizational teams to build novel capabilities to solve challenging research problems.
• Foster a culture of technical and professional growth by mentoring and developing staff.

• A four‑year degree in Cybersecurity, Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or other related discipline.
• Ten or more years of professional experience in a relevant field.
• Experience leading a team of scientists and engineers (including PhD’s).
• Comfortable working with people in technical, business, and program management arenas.
• Proven track record of business development and capture of Government R&D contracts/programs.
• Strong foundational knowledge in Cybersecurity and at least one of: formal methods/formal verification, cryptography, mathematical logic, abstract algebra, programming language theory, or a similar discipline.
• Past performance as a principal investigator (PI) on fast‑paced, innovation‑driven, advanced technology R&D projects for government clients (e.g., DARPA, DoD, IC).
• Existing contacts/connections with community partners and customers.
• Top Secret security clearance.

• An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or related technical domain.
• Knowledge of a functional programming language (Haskell, OCaml, SML).
• Experience with computer proof assistants (Coq, Isabelle/HOL, Lean).
• Experience in cybersecurity and related disciplines (program analysis, vulnerability research, computer network operations).
• Experience in data science and related disciplines (statistics, artificial intelligence, machine learning).
• Proven experience leading a rapidly growing team.

• Local to Arlington, VA.
• Active Top Secret security clearance.

Competitive and comprehensive compensation packages include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, tuition assistance, and professional development.

Salary range: $158,141 – $237,211 USD.

Two Six Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.