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Senior ASIC/FPGA Hardware Engineer for Cryptographic Systems

Draper Labs
United States, Massachusetts, Cambridge
555 Technology Square (Show on map)
Sep 04, 2025
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. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com. Job Description Summary: A Senior 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 Job Description: Duties/Responsibilities 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 Skills/Abilities 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 Education Requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering, or related field. Masters degree preferred. Experience Requires 5-7 years of experience with a bachelor's degree, or 3-5 years of experience with a master's degree, or 0-2 years of experience with a PhD in ASIC Hardware Engineering or related. Additional Job Description: 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. Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration. Job Location - City: Cambridge Job Location - State: Massachusetts Job Location - Postal Code: 02139-3563 The US base salary range for this full-time position is $82,300.00 - $205,750.00 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. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits. Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers. Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.