Senior HW Security / Embedded Engineer

Our client is a leading advanced technology and applied research organisation focused on autonomous systems, robotics, AI, embedded software, cybersecurity, and aerospace technologies. They develop advanced UAV and UxV platforms, mission computing solutions, autonomous vehicle technologies, and secure mission-critical systems, working at the forefront of innovation alongside some of the world's leading engineers and researchers.

We are looking for a Senior Embedded & Hardware Security Engineer to join a leading research-driven organization focused on advanced cybersecurity, embedded systems, and critical infrastructure security. This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge hardware, IoT, autonomous systems, and wireless security technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

Hardware & Embedded Security

• Perform hardware and embedded security assessments across MCU, FPGA, and IoT platforms.
• Conduct side-channel analysis, fault injection testing, anti-tamper assessments, and secure boot validation.
• Perform firmware reverse engineering and embedded penetration testing.
• Assess OTA bootloader and firmware update security mechanisms.

Wireless & RF Security

• Conduct RF and wireless security testing using SDR-based platforms.
• Assess the security of Wi-Fi, BLE, Zigbee, RFID, GNSS, LoRa, telemetry, data-link, and FPV technologies.
• Capture, demodulate, decode, and analyze wireless communications and protocols.
• Support RF positioning and geolocation security assessments.

Autonomous Systems & Critical Infrastructure

• Perform cybersecurity assessments for autonomous systems, industrial control systems, smart grids, rail, oil & gas, and smart metering environments.
• Conduct ECU, MCU, and DSP security analysis along with device network security testing.
• Support cybersecurity activities aligned with ISO/SAE 21434 and TARA.
• Assess risks across OT and critical infrastructure environments.

Cryptography & Secure Architecture

• Design, implement, and assess cryptographic solutions including AES, DES/3DES, RSA, ECC, PKI, hashing, and digital signatures.
• Support secure communication architectures such as IPSec, MACsec, VPNs, and Root of Trust implementations.
• Integrate and assess HSM, TPM, and Secure Element technologies.
• Design and validate secure boot and secure attestation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Research & Secure Development

• Conduct protocol fuzzing, symbolic execution, and vulnerability research.
• Perform secure code reviews following CERT C/C++, CWE, OWASP, and AUTOSAR standards.
• Support static analysis and vulnerability remediation activities.
• Develop secure embedded firmware using C/C++, RTOS, MQTT, TCP/IP, BLE, NFC, CAN, and OBD2.

Risk, Threat & Compliance

• Perform threat modelling, vulnerability assessments, and risk analysis.
• Prepare technical security reports and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Support compliance and certification initiatives including Common Criteria (EAL3+/EAL4+), PSA Certified, IEC 62443, ISO 27005, and NIST 7628.
• Apply machine learning and deep learning techniques for anomaly detection, attack classification, and network traffic analysis where applicable.

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical leadership and mentor engineers across embedded security projects.
• Engage with stakeholders and communicate technical security risks to both technical and business audiences.
• Deliver knowledge-sharing sessions and technical training.
• Own project security reporting and contribute to the technical roadmap.

Requirements:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in embedded cybersecurity, hardware security, or IoT security across multiple domains.
• Strong hands-on experience with firmware reverse engineering, embedded penetration testing, hardware security testing, wireless/RF security, and vulnerability research.
• Strong understanding of cryptography, secure communications, secure boot, Root of Trust architectures, embedded firmware development, and industrial or autonomous cybersecurity.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and embedded systems development.
• Experience with RTOS and embedded protocols including TCP/IP, CAN, MQTT, BLE, NFC, and OBD2.
• Strong knowledge of threat modelling, risk assessment, and cybersecurity frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams, manage stakeholders, and deliver security projects.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, research-focused environment.

Preferred

• Experience with SDR platforms and RF testing tools.
• Knowledge of automotive and autonomous cybersecurity standards such as ISO/SAE 21434 and TARA.
• Experience with HSM, TPM, and Secure Element technologies.
• Familiarity with machine learning applications in cybersecurity.
• Experience with sensor fusion, Kalman filters, DGPS/INS navigation, AHRS, or RF positioning.
• Relevant certifications such as OSCP, CEH, Common Criteria, PSA Certified, or equivalent embedded security certifications.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related field (Master's degree is an advantage).
• Relevant cybersecurity and embedded security certifications are highly desirable, including Common Criteria EAL3+/EAL4+, PSA Certified, OSCP, CEH, or equivalent.
• Experience or certifications aligned with IEC 62443, ISO 27005, or ISO/SAE 21434 are considered a strong advantage.