Firmware Engineer

UK or Europe Based with Remote Working Option

The Company

Formed as a spinout of the University of Oxford by cryptography researchers and specialists, PQShield has unrivalled domain expertise in the design and implementation of quantum-resistant cryptography for software and hardware applications. 

PQShield is a major contributing participant to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Post-Quantum Standardisation Process. 

At PQShield, we help customers transition their product lines from legacy RSA and Elliptic Curve cryptography to quantum-secure standards by offering ready-made and tailored IP for secure elements, IoT firmware, PKI and server technologies, and end-user applications.

Our corporate social responsibility centres around making sure our products are used in a constructive and positive way – we would like to think that our products will contribute to the greater good rather than be just another money-making commodity. 

About the role

PQShield is looking for an experienced Firmware Engineer to expand our Cryptographic Firmware IP team. Candidates should hold a degree or Phd in Computer Science/Electronics/Cryptography or equivalent. We hope that you have at least 5 years of experience, but also an open, research-oriented mindset.

As we’re in the early stages of development and growth, you would be directly working with the founders and inventors of this deep tech start-up. However, 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 to make career progress and to get a head start in a rapidly expanding segment of the semiconductor industry (Post-Quantum Cryptography and RISC-V).

Our IP components come together as a RISC-V MCU based Sub-system with advanced (post-quantum) cryptography algorithm support and security features.

What you’ll be doing

• •  Implementation and optimization of secure control firmware for a hardware-software co-design system.
  •  Integration with cryptographic system and application APIs: E.g., GlobalPlatform, ARM Platform Security Architecture, Linux kernel drivers.
  •  Security code review, static and dynamic code analysis, model checking of the firmware.

• Collaborate with internal Hardware/Software teams and customers on security requirements and functional features.

About you

• Phd/Degree or equivalent in Computer Science/Electronics/Cryptography or other related discipline
• Embedded programming in C, Assembler or Rust (primarily ARM, RISC-V). 
• Understanding of hardware/software interfaces; buses, operating system interfaces.
• Knowledge of Cryptographic Algorithms and Protocols, Comfortable with the Mathematics of Cryptography.
• Strong ability to interpret results and resolve problems

Nice to have

• Experience with high-assurance programming techniques: vulnerability testing and code review, static and dynamic code analysis tools, formal methods (e.g. bounded model checking of firmware).
• Exposure to modern cryptography: Post-Quantum cryptography, side-channel and implementation attacks, countermeasures, and security testing processes.
• Microprocessor / SoC architecture, ISA design
• Knowledge of Industry standard SoC Security Architectures
• Tamper resistance, Side-Channel Security Countermeasures
• Secure elements, Smart Cards, FIPS 140, Common Criteria

 What we can offer you

• Competitive salary.
• EMI share option scheme.
• Flexible & remote working, and a working from home budget.
• Private health insurance for yourself and your family.
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).
• 50% gym membership discount.
• The chance to work with a really nice, smart and friendly team!
  

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 their gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.