Digital Design Engineer

Ansa People; Remote; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tech company in the UK is seeking a skilled individual specializing in cryptography and hardware design. This role involves creating efficient RTL implementations and designing security-hardened circuits for both ASIC and FPGA platforms. The ideal candidate will hold a relevant degree and have strong expertise in cryptographic algorithms and Verilog/VHDL design. Flexibility for remote work is offered, along with stock options and a company pension scheme. Onsite visits will be required occasionally during ramp-up.

Benefits

Stock options

Company Pension Scheme

Remote working flexibility

Qualifications

• Demonstrable industry experience in cryptography.
• Deep understanding of symmetric and asymmetric cryptographic algorithms.
• Hands-on verification knowledge and timing analysis.

Responsibilities

• Create RTL implementations of cryptographic algorithms focusing on efficiency.
• Design security-hardened circuits addressing vulnerabilities.
• Deliver designs for ASIC and FPGA platforms.
• Manage full design lifecycle from specification to verification.
• Support design activities with scripting for testing workflows.
• Collaborate with hardware architects and firmware engineers.

Skills

Problem-solving

Verilog

VHDL

Cryptographic algorithms

Scripting (Python)

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field

PhD in cryptography

Job description

Main Responsibilities

• Create optimised RTL implementations of cryptographic algorithms (AES, SHA, RNGs, etc.) with a focus on power and performance efficiency
• Design security-hardened digital circuits with awareness of side channel vulnerabilities and appropriate countermeasures
• Deliver production ready designs targeting both ASIC and FPGA platforms
• Own the design lifecycle : specification, micro-architecture, coding (Verilog / VHDL), synthesis, timing closure, and verification
• Support design activities through scripting and automation (Python or similar) for verification, analysis, and testing workflows
• Partner effectively with hardware architects and firmware engineers to ensure seamless system integration

About You

• A collaborative problem‑solver who enjoys the pacey nature of start‑up life where initiative, velocity and creativity are hugely valued
• A relevant technical degree - either a Bachelors or Masters with solid and demonstrable industry experience, or, a PhD related to cryptography with some industry experience
• Deep understanding and a practical background in cryptographic algorithms (symmetric and asymmetric) and their hardware architectures
• Expertise in cryptographic primitive design and implementation
• Experience translating algorithms into efficient hardware designs, with an emphasis on power and area optimisation
• Solid Verilog / VHDL experience with hands‑on verification knowledge, and timing analysis awareness

Standard Information

• Stock options - a genuine stake in the future you're helping to shape
• Company Pension Scheme
• Remote‑working with a preference for UK or EU locations - giving you flexibility to focus on what you do best, from the location you've made your home (Please note, some onsite visits will be required, especially during your initial ramp‑up period)

📍 Location : Predominantly remote (UK / EU) with ad‑hoc onsite visits required

⚡ Industry : Deep‑Tech (Security)

Ansa People is dedicated to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We believe that diversity of thought, different points of view and an open, collaborative culture should be cherished, encouraged and valued.