ASIC​/FPGA Hardware Engineer Cryptographic Systems

Overview:

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation.

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A ASIC/FPGA Hardware Engineer for Cryptographic Systems architects, specifies, and ensures proper design & implementation of hardware-based security solutions. The engineer develops the architecture and specification for ASIC or FPGA-based hardware designs. They translate those requirements to front-end RTL designers and guide the back-end implementation team to achieve a secure hardware design. The engineer also works with systems-level designers to develop documentation, test plans, and software interfaces to the hardware solution.

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of cryptography systems and hardware security, to include:

• Asymmetric/public key cryptosystems such as ECC, RSA etc.
• Symmetric cryptography such as AES (and its block cipher modes), MAC etc.
• Cryptographic protocols/schemes such as key exchange, digital signature, key wrap etc.
• Security design such as memory isolation, secure enclave etc.
• Secure protocols such as secure boot, attestation, key split, certificates, MFA etc.

Experience with Digital Hardware Design:

• Knowledge of computer architecture and ASIC/FPGA design
• Develop RTL code using System Verilog, Verilog, or VDHL
• Translate high level system requirements into specifications and design guidelines for front/back-end designers to bring security design to implementation and optimization

• Design and simulate circuits at transistor-level to implement architecture and requirement specifications
• Contribute to system-level design
• Optimize hardware designs for performance, power, and cost
• Evaluate the hardware feasibility of complex algorithms and requirements
• Independently contribute to complex chip architectures and designs
• Independently drive solutions to complex problems - develop requirements, propose ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements
• Contribute to business development and proposal activities
• Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers
• Perform or guide physical layout, including floor-planning, and simulate circuits using extracted parasitics
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Proficiency in integrated circuit design
• Understanding of integrated circuits, semiconductors, and general computer architecture
• Ability to write detailed design specifications
• Ability to manage small technical teams
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent mathematical skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks
• Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals

• Requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering, or related field. Masters degree preferred.

• 0-3 years of experience with a master's degree, ASIC Hardware Engineering or related.

Preferred qualifications:

• Cryptography:
  • Knowledge of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is a plus
  • Knowledge of side channel analysis is a plus
  • Knowledge of lightweight cryptography is a plus
• Hardware Security:
  • Knowledge of secure key storage using different technologies is a plus
  • Knowledge of hardware primitives such as TRNG and PUF is a plus
  • Knowledge of anti-tamper and TEMPEST is a plus
• Mathematical knowledge of number theory such as finite field, modular arithmetic, coding theory is a plus
• Knowledge and experience of NSA and NIST certification process is a plus

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Cambridge

Massachusetts

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $75,000.00 - $

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role.

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