Senior Cryptography Expert

Senior Cryptography Expert

Country: Spain

IT STARTS HERE

Santander (www.santander.com) is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization, and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible.

This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

Our mission is to contribute to help more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a strong risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

Santander Digital Services is the team of technology and operations at Santander. We are convinced of the importance of technology that is aligned with the requirements of the business and that out work not only brings value to users, people and communities but also fosters individual creativity. Our team of over 7,000 people in 8 countries (Spain, Portugal, Poland, UK, USA, Mexico, Chile and Brazil) develops and/or implements financial solutions across a broad spectrum of technologies (including Blockchain, Big Data and Angular among others) on all kinds of on-premise and cloud-based platforms.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Santander Digital Services is looking for a Senior Cryptography Expert, based out of Madrid, to build the future in cryptography management as part of the Santander Global Cryptography Team and its Santander Quantum Threat Program.

We’re shaping the way we work through innovation, cutting-edge technology, collaboration and the freedom to explore new ideas. To succeed in this role, you will be responsible for:

• Lead and execute research activities to support the decision-making process in Policies, Technical Strategy and Roadmaps on cryptography and quantum-safety.

• Support decision-making processes from the global and local teams in Global and Local teams.

• Evolve the Santander Cryptography Standard and associated policies, like hardening guides and best practices.

• Define, implement and track controls, metrics and KPIs on cryptographic compliance.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organization. We’re enabling teams to go beyond by valuing who they are and empowering what they bring.

The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for success in this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Apply if you are a seasoned expert in cryptography in banking. You have strong knowledge of cryptography, PKI and key management. You also have soft-skills to engage with local experts in cryptography and build a strong collaboration framework with them.

Professional Experience

• Proven experience in managing cryptographic operations, architecture, and/or strategy within the financial sector. (Required)

• Current understanding of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) concepts and the strategic dependencies required to transition from classical public-key cryptography—especially in financial industry environments. (Preferred)
   

Education

• BsC, Master or PhD in computer science, telecommunications, mathematics, physics, etc. Your experience counts more than your degrees. (Required)
   

Languages

• English (Required)

• Spanish (Preferred)
   

Hard Skills

• Expert knowledge of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and cryptographic key management processes, including extensive hands-on experience with Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) and Software Key Vaults. (Required)

• Comprehensive understanding of applicable regulations, standards, and best practices governing cryptography management, such as DORA, PCI-DSS 4.0+, and the NIST SP 800 series (including 57, 130, 133, and 152). (Preferred)
   

Soft Skills

• Continuous learning mindset, with a commitment to staying abreast of emerging cryptographic technologies, threats, and regulatory developments. (Required)

• Ability to work cooperatively in multidisciplinary, global teams spread across different countries and continents.

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