Hardware Verification Engineer (Sponsorship available)

PQShield; Dokkum; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accelerated career development

Flexible and hybrid working

Private health insurance

25 days annual leave

50% gym membership discount

Job summary

A security-focused technology company is looking for a hands-on Hardware Verification Engineer. This role involves verifying security-critical designs while building UVM testbenches and developing tools in Python to enhance verification productivity. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of cryptographic algorithms and experience in formal verification. Excellent problem-solving skills and leadership abilities are essential for this position. This offers great opportunities for career advancement in a collaborative team environment that values innovation.

Qualifications

• Strong background in UVM‑based verification at IP and subsystem levels.
• Proficiency in Python for tool development and automation.
• Practical formal verification experience beyond app‑based use.
• Knowledge of cryptographic algorithms (AES, SHA, ECC, etc.) and hardware/software security concepts.
• Demonstrated leadership in planning and executing verification projects.

Responsibilities

• Build and extend UVM testbenches for verification of cryptographic IPs.
• Develop Python tools to improve verification productivity.
• Collaborate with design and software teams on use cases.
• Approach designs with a mindset to find weaknesses.

Skills

UVM‑based verification

Python tool development

Formal verification

Cryptographic algorithms knowledge

C/C++ or scripting languages

Leadership in verification projects

Debugging and problem solving

Job description

Reports to: Director of Hardware Engineering

Department: Engineering

Please note we can hire you in the following locations: UK, Germany, France, Belgium, Austria, Netherlands, Spain.

If you are not based in one of these countries then we are unable to move forward with your application.

About The Role

We’re seeking a Hardware Verification Engineer who thrives on solving hard problems, building tools that make life easier for others, and driving verification with both rigor and creativity. This is not a checkbox role — we want someone who is hands‑on, curious, and motivated to go beyond the obvious. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in software development, cryptography, and secure product development, with a focus on delivering secure, high‑performance, and efficient products. We have been established since 2018, so you would be working directly with the founders and inventors of this deep‑tech startup. The technology is already a couple of years in the making, its feasibility having been established, funding secured, and it has a clear path to market. This is a great opportunity for career progression and to get a head start in a rapidly expanding segment of the technology industry.

What You’ll Be Doing

You'll be a part of a team verifying security‑critical designs where thoroughness is everything. On a daily basis, you will:

• Build and extend UVM testbenches to verify cryptographic IPs and subsystems.
• Develop Python‑based tools and automation to improve verification productivity.
• Use formal verification creatively, writing properties beyond canned apps to prove tricky scenarios.
• Debug at every level – from low‑level waveforms to algorithmic mismatches.
• Collaborate with design, software, and architecture teams to ensure real‑world use cases are covered.
• Approach designs with a “break it to make it” mindset, thinking like an attacher to expose weaknesses.

Key Job Functions

Beyond hands‑on verification, you will also:

• Influence and define methodologies and strategies for design verification.
• Develop testbench architectures using UVM and formal‑based approaches.
• Define verification plans, functional coverage models, and test strategies for block and subsystem verification.
• Lead verification at IP or SoC level, including effort estimation, scheduling, task assignment, and reporting progress to management.
• Drive coverage closure and sign‑off quality across complex designs.
• Mentor junior engineers and help raise the team’s overall capability.

Preferred

🎯 Required Skills and Qualifications

• Strong background in UVM‑based verification at IP and subsystem levels.
• Proficiency in Python for tool development and automation.
• Practical formal verification experience beyond app‑based use.
• Knowledge of cryptographic algorithms (AES, SHA, ECC, etc.) and hardware/software security concepts.
• Software‑oriented thinking (C/C++ or scripting languages) for HW/SW co‑verification.
• Demonstrated leadership in planning and executing verification projects.
• Self‑driven, resourceful, and persistent when solving tough technical challenges.
• Excellent debugging and problem‑solving skills with strong attention to detail.

Some Of The Perks Of Working With Us

• Unparalleled opportunities to learn and accelerated career development.
• A collaborative, team environment with people who truly love what they do.
• Competitive salary and share option scheme.
• Flexible and hybrid working, and a working from home budget.
• Private health insurance for yourself and your family.
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and two wellness weeks).
• 50% gym membership discount.
• The chance to work with a spirited, smart, and friendly team!

Interested? Apply today to be part of the future of secure hardware! 🚀

PQShield is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We’re passionate about talent and proud to foster an inclusive environment; all applicants will be considered regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.