Cryptography Research Scientist, FHE & PQC

Cryptography Research Scientist, FHE & PQC

LG Electronics, a leading technology company, is seeking a Cryptography Research Scientist to join its Advanced Security team in Santa Clara, CA. This hybrid position focuses on next‑generation cryptographic technologies, primarily Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) and Post‑Quantum Cryptography (PQC). Candidates should hold a Ph.D. with 0–2 years of relevant research or industry experience.

• Conduct advanced research and development in Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) and related privacy‑enhancing technologies.
• Design, optimize, and implement practical FHE algorithms and pipelines for deployment.
• Develop high‑performance implementations for privacy‑preserving AI/ML inference, secure analytics, and recommendation systems.
• Demonstrate Proof‑of‑Concept (PoC) systems showcasing practical FHE applications.
• Evaluate and integrate modern FHE frameworks and libraries such as OpenFHE, HEAAN/CKKS, TFHE, Microsoft SEAL, PALISADE, and related technologies.
• Contribute to research and development in Post‑Quantum Cryptography (PQC), including lattice‑based cryptography and quantum‑safe migration technologies.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional engineering and product teams to transition research into deployable technologies.
• Track emerging developments in cryptography, privacy‑enhancing technologies, and quantum‑safe security.

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Cryptography, or a related field with 0–2 years of relevant experience.
• Strong theoretical background in modern cryptography, particularly lattice‑based cryptography and/or Fully Homomorphic Encryption.
• Hands‑on experience implementing cryptographic algorithms and optimizing performance‑critical systems.
• Strong programming skills in C++, Python, CUDA, Rust, or similar.
• Familiarity with one or more FHE libraries/frameworks.
• Strong understanding of algorithm optimization, computational complexity, and memory‑performance tradeoffs.
• Ability to independently drive research ideas into working prototypes and PoCs.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.

• Experience with GPU acceleration and high‑performance computing for cryptographic workloads.
• Familiarity with CKKS, TFHE, BFV, or BGV schemes.
• Experience with encrypted machine learning or privacy‑preserving AI systems.
• Knowledge of Post‑Quantum Cryptography standards and NIST PQC algorithms (e.g., ML‑KEM/Kyber, ML‑DSA/Dilithium).
• Publications or open‑source contributions in cryptography, security, or privacy‑enhancing technologies.
• Experience working in research labs or advanced technology development environments.

• Competitive salary: $169,000 – $186,000 USD.
• No‑cost employee premiums for medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits.
• Auto‑enrollment with immediate vesting in a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.
• Generous Paid Time Off program including holidays and combined sick/vacation time.
• Performance‑based short‑term incentives.
• Access to confidential mental health resources and personal fitness incentives.
• Family‑oriented benefits such as paid parental leave and support for families raising children with learning or developmental challenges.
• Group‑rate life and disability insurance.

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.