Senior ASIC/FPGA Hardware Engineer - Cryptographic Systems in Cambridge

Energy Jobline ZR; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading innovator in secure hardware technologies is seeking a Senior ASIC/FPGA Hardware Engineer to design and implement advanced cryptographic systems in Cambridge. Ideal candidates will have significant expertise in digital hardware design and cryptography, along with the ability to work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure performance and compliance standards are met. This is an exciting opportunity to advance your career in a rapidly growing field.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of relevant experience in ASIC/FPGA hardware engineering.
• Proficiency in digital hardware design and cryptography.
• Ability to manage small technical teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Architect and specify secure hardware solutions using ASIC/FPGA platforms.
• Guide design teams through implementation and optimization.
• Collaborate with systems engineers on documentation and test plans.
• Design and simulate transistor-level circuits to meet targets.
• Evaluate feasibility of complex cryptographic algorithms in hardware.

Skills

Cryptographic protocols knowledge

ASIC/FPGA design expertise

Integrated circuit design

Strong mathematical foundation

Detail-oriented specifications writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Master’s degree or PhD preferred

Tools

SystemVerilog

Verilog

VHDL

Job description

Energy Jobline is the largest and fastest growing global Energy Job Board and Energy Hub. We have an audience reach of over 7 million energy professionals, 400,000+ monthly advertised global energy and engineering jobs, and work with the leading energy companies worldwide. We focus on the Oil & Gas, Renewables, Engineering, Power, and Nuclear markets as well as emerging technologies in EV, Battery, and Fusion. We are committed to ensuring that we offer the most exciting career opportunities from around the world for our jobseekers.

Location: Cambridge, MA
Clearance Required: Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance

Role Overview

A leading innovator in secure hardware technologies is seeking a Senior ASIC/FPGA Hardware Engineer to architect and implement advanced cryptographic systems. This role is ideal for engineers with deep expertise in digital hardware design and a strong foundation in cryptography and hardware security.

You will lead the design and specification of ASIC and FPGA-based security solutions, translating high-level cryptographic requirements into robust hardware architectures. Working closely with RTL designers, back-end implementation teams, and systems engineers, you’ll ensure secure, efficient, and scalable hardware designs that meet stringent performance and compliance standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and specify secure hardware solutions using ASIC/FPGA platforms
• Guide RTL and physical design teams through implementation and optimization
• Collaborate with systems engineers to define documentation, test plans, and software interfaces
• Design and simulate transistor-level circuits to meet performance, power, and cost targets
• Evaluate feasibility of complex cryptographic algorithms in hardware
• Drive technical solutions independently, even with incomplete or evolving requirements
• Contribute to proposal development and mentor junior engineers
• Support physical layout, floor-planning, and parasitic-aware simulations

Requirements

Cryptographic Systems & Protocols

• Asymmetric cryptography: ECC, RSA
• Symmetric cryptography: AES, MAC, block cipher modes
• Protocols: key exchange, digital signatures, key wrap
• Secure design: memory isolation, secure enclaves
• Secure protocols: secure boot, attestation, MFA, certificates, key split

Digital Hardware Design

• ASIC/FPGA architecture and implementation
• RTL development in SystemVerilog, Verilog, or VHDL
• Translation of system-level requirements into hardware specifications
• Optimization for performance, power, and area

Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency in integrated circuit design and computer architecture
• Strong mathematical foundation, including number theory and coding theory
• Ability to write detailed design specifications and manage small technical teams
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field required; Master’s
• 5–7 years (BS), 3–5 years (MS), or 0–2 years (PhD) of relevant experience in ASIC/FPGA hardware engineering

Qualifications

• Knowledge of post-quantum cryptography (PQC), side-channel analysis, and lightweight cryptography
• Experience with secure key storage, TRNGs, PUFs, anti-tamper, and TEMPEST techniques
• Familiarity with NSA/NIST certification processes

If you are interested in applying for this job please press the Apply Button and follow the application process. Energy Jobline wishes you the very best of luck in your next career move.