Associate Research Director - Formal Methods & Cryptography

Associate Research Director - Formal Methods & Cryptography

At Two Six Technologies, we build, deploy, and implement innovative products that solve the world’s most complex challenges today. Through unrivaled collaboration and unwavering trust, we push the boundaries of what’s possible to empower our team and support our customers in building a safer global future.

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. A successful candidate will shape opportunities with government and industry sponsors, win new R&D programs, and guide multidisciplinary teams to deliver rigorous, innovative solutions. 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 multi-disciplinary, cross-organizational teams to build novel capabilities to solve challenging research problems
• Foster a culture of technical and professional growth by mentoring and developing our 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 PhDs)
• 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

Two Six Technologies is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive compensation packages that reflect the value we place on our employees and their contributions. We believe in rewarding skills, experience, and performance. Our offerings include but are not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, tuition assistance and professional development.

The projected salary range listed for this position is annualized. This is a general guideline and not a guarantee of salary. Salary is one component of our total compensation package and the specific salary offered is determined by various factors, including, but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, geographic location, as well as contract specific affordability and organizational requirements.