Applied Scientist, Cryptographic Libraries

Job Description

Job Title: Applied Scientist, Amazon Cryptographic Libraries. Location: Seattle, WA, USA

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain machine-checked proofs demonstrating the correctness of cryptographic implementations in AWS-LC, working alongside senior scientists.
• Specify the functional behavior of low-level cryptographic code written in C and assembly using formal notation.
• Verify implementations using interactive theorem provers such as HOL Light, Isabelle/HOL, or similar tools;
• Apply formal methods, program analysis, and rigorous testing to improve the assurance of a security-critical and widely deployed codebase.
• Contribute to the implementation and optimization of cryptographic algorithms, including post-quantum constructions such as ML-KEM, ML-DSA, and SLH-DSA.
• Collaborate with software development engineers, security engineers, and partner teams to translate verified implementations into production-grade, FIPS-validated software.
• Work with senior scientists and Amazon's Automated Reasoning Group on formal verification;
• Contribute to research through publications, open-source projects, and engagement with the formal methods and cryptographic research communities.
• Develop formal specifications, proof obligations, and machine-checked proofs for cryptographic algorithms and implementations.
• Help refine algorithm implementations so they are both performant and suitable for formal verification.

Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent research experience.
• Experience in at least one of the following:
  • Mathematical logic
  • Formal verification
  • Satisfiability solving, including SAT/SMT
  • Mechanical theorem proving
  • Model checking
  • Program analysis

Preferred:

• Hands-on experience with interactive theorem provers such as HOL Light, Isabelle/HOL, Lean, Coq, or Verus.
• Experience specifying or verifying low-level software, including machine code, C, or assembly.
• Familiarity with cryptographic primitives and their implementations.
• Low-level or systems programming experience in C, Rust, or assembly.
• Familiarity with post-quantum cryptography, including lattice-based, code-based, or hash-based schemes.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Base salary: $142,800 to $193,200 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and location.
• Sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs) may be included in the overall compensation package.
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance;
• Basic Life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life insurance options.
• Employee Assistance Program and mental health support.
• Medical Advice Line and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Adoption and surrogacy reimbursement coverage.
• 401(k) matching.
• Paid time off.
• Parental leave.

Other Information:

• The role is part of Amazon's Amazon Cryptographic Libraries (ACL) team, which owns AWS-LC, Amazon Corretto Crypto Provider (ACCP), and managed third-party cryptographic libraries.
• AWS-LC is a FIPS-validated open-source cryptographic library used across AWS services and by the broader open-source community.
• The position offers mentorship from senior scientists and collaboration with Amazon's Automated Reasoning Group.
• The role may involve working with security-critical software deployed across AWS.
• Amazon is an equal opportunity employer;
• Workplace accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities.
• Candidates should review Amazon's accommodation information during the hiring process.
• This position is based in Seattle, Washington.