Embedded Systems Security Engineer

Kforce Inc; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

HSA/FSA

Job summary

Kforce has a client in Foster City, CA seeking an Embedded Systems Security Engineer to harden a next-generation embedded Linux platform. You will bridge hardware security, kernel hardening, and secure user-space containment.

You will design cryptographic defenses, automate security pipelines in CI/CD, and partner with manufacturing to provision devices securely at scale, focusing on TrustZone, secure boot, and robust runtime protection.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• 6+ years of Embedded Linux development, board bring-up, and BSP customization.
• 3+ years deploying device-level security features into production hardware.
• Expert knowledge of bootloader configurations (e.g., U-Boot/Barebox) and Linux kernel storage/security subsystems (dm-crypt, dm-verity).
• Deep understanding of ARM TrustZone (ARMv7-A/ARMv8-A, EL1-EL3).
• Proficiency with SELinux/AppArmor, cgroups, namespaces.
• Yocto Project (BitBake) or Buildroot build automation experience.
• Advanced C and scripting (Python or Bash).

Responsibilities

• Design and implement Hardware Root of Trust and Secure Boot from bootloader to kernel.
• Implement dm-verity and encryption for root filesystem and data at rest.
• Develop and integrate a TEE (OP-TEE) and Secure/Trusted Applications.
• Enforce user-space isolation with SELinux, AppArmor, cgroups, namespaces, seccomp.
• Build automated cryptographic signing pipelines in CI/CD with GitLab/GitHub Actions and HSMs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to burn fuses securely and validate security features at end-of-line testing.
• Architect multi-slot boot recovery layouts to ensure OTA resilience.

Skills

Embedded Linux

Board Bring-up

BSP customization

C programming

Python scripting

Security features

CI/CD automation

Kernel hardening

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

Yocto Project

Buildroot

OP-TEE

SELinux

dm-verity

Job description

Responsibilities

Kforce has a client that is seeking an Embedded Systems Security Engineer in Foster City, CA. Summary: We are looking for an Embedded Systems Security Engineer to implement security solutions to harden our next-generation embedded Linux platform. In this role, you will bridge the gap between low-level hardware security, kernel hardening, and secure user-space application containment. You will not only design cryptographic defense mechanisms but will also automate security pipelines in CI/CD and partner directly with manufacturing teams to ensure devices are provisioned securely and reliably at scale without production risks.

• Platform Hardening & Architecture: Design and implement the Hardware Root of Trust and Secure Boot architecture from the first-stage bootloader through the Linux kernel
• Storage & Integrity Management: Implement dm-verity for cryptographically verified read-only root filesystems and secure data encryption at rest
• Trusted Execution Environments: Develop, integrate, and maintain a TEE (e.g., OP-TEE) and author Secure/Trusted Applications (TAs)
• Application Sandboxing: Enforce strict user-space isolation and sandboxing strategies using SELinux, AppArmor, cgroups, namespaces, and seccomp filters to protect core systems from untrusted applications
• DevSecOps Automation: Build automated cryptographic signing pipelines within CI/CD infrastructure (e.g., GitLab CI, GitHub Actions) to securely sign bootloaders, kernels, and OTA payloads using HSMs or secure key vaults
• Production Provisioning Support: Collaborate with manufacturing teams to write robust scripts and tools for burning permanent hardware configuration fuses (eFuses / OTP memory) securely, designing end-of-line (EOL) test software to validate security features before shipping
• System Resilience: Architect multi-slot boot recovery layouts (e.g., A/B partitioning) to guarantee fail-safe resilience against failed OTA updates or corrupted boots

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent practical experience)
• Core Experience: 6+ years of professional experience in Embedded Linux development, board bring-up, and Board Support Package (BSP) customization
• Security Focus: 3+ years of dedicated, hands‑on experience deploying device‑level security features into physical production hardware
• Low‑Level Systems: Expert knowledge of bootloader configurations (e.g., U‑Boot Verified Boot, Barebox) and customizing the Linux kernel storage/security subsystem (dm‑crypt, dm‑verity)
• Hardware Security Architecture: Deep understanding of modern processor security architectures, specifically ARM TrustZone (ARMv7‑A / ARMv8‑A, Exception Levels EL1‑EL3)
• Sandboxing & Access Controls: Proven track record implementing SELinux/AppArmor policies and utilizing standard Linux containment tools (cgroups, namespaces)
• Build Automation: Proficiency with embedded Linux build automated frameworks like the Yocto Project (BitBake recipe design) or Buildroot
• Programming: Advanced proficiency in C and strong scripting skills in Python or Bash

Preferred Qualifications

• Manufacturing Scale: Prior experience working with Contract Manufacturers (CMs) or internal factory lines to deploy secure key‑injection and fuse‑burning protocols
• Advanced Sandboxing: Experience with embedded container runtimes (e.g., LXC, crun) or lightweight sandboxing frameworks tailored for resource‑constrained architectures
• Anti‑Rollback Protection: Experience designing secure versioning and hardware‑enforced anti‑rollback strategies for OTA updates
• Cryptography Expertise: Strong foundational knowledge of symmetric/asymmetric cryptography, hashing algorithms (SHA‑256/384), public key infrastructure (PKI), and handling physical Hardware Security Modules (HSMs)

Benefits

• medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees
• Salaried personnel receive paid time off
• Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law
• Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.