Staff Hardware Security Engineer

Staff Hardware Security Engineer Overview

Arm is seeking a practical hardware security specialist to help strengthen the security of system-on-chip platforms. This position sits within the Product Security team and is centered on finding weaknesses in silicon-level security controls, understanding what those weaknesses mean for real systems, and working alongside architecture and silicon engineering teams to improve the security posture of Arm platforms. The work combines deep technical investigation, proof-of-concept development, and the creation of tools and methods that support ongoing hardware security evaluation across advanced SoC environments.

The team values collaboration, continuous learning, and careful problem-solving. The role is suited to someone who enjoys hands-on analysis of complex hardware, can communicate technical findings clearly, and is comfortable working across multiple engineering disciplines to help turn security observations into practical improvements.

What you will do

• Carry out direct security assessments of SoC hardware elements and embedded security features, including trust anchors, debug access mechanisms, and isolation controls.
• Investigate hardware security issues by combining architectural review, analysis of hardware interfaces, and experimental testing.
• Create proof-of-concept demonstrations that show how hardware weaknesses could affect a complete system in realistic scenarios.
• Apply existing hardware security knowledge and continue developing expertise in areas such as silicon security, privilege boundaries, and trust architectures.
• Build and maintain tools and repeatable techniques that improve the team’s ability to evaluate hardware security and run experiments efficiently.
• Partner closely with architecture, silicon design, firmware, and platform teams to explain results, share findings, and support mitigation work.
• Produce detailed technical analysis that helps the wider team understand security behavior across sophisticated SoC platforms.

Experience and skills needed

• Practical experience in offensive security, vulnerability research, or low-level systems security.
• Strong knowledge of microarchitecture and SoC design fundamentals.
• Experience reviewing architectural specifications and RTL for behavior that matters to security.
• Good understanding of modern SoC architectures, including security boundaries, privilege levels, and hardware isolation mechanisms.
• Experience analyzing hardware interfaces and platform components such as debug infrastructure, secure boot roots of trust, or system interconnects.
• Familiarity with hardware debug interfaces such as JTAG and SWD, along with relevant hardware attack approaches.
• Ability to work with low-level programming languages such as C and to understand assembly language, preferably Arm assembly.
• Understanding of how hardware and software interact, including how security properties are enforced across different layers of the system.
• Ability to write clear, structured technical reports and document security findings effectively.
• Ability to work both on your own and as part of a diverse, inclusive team.

Additional experience that would be useful

• Experience with Arm-based platforms and SoC security architectures.
• Familiarity with hardware security analysis methods such as fault injection and side-channel analysis.
• Experience using laboratory equipment and specialist tools for hardware experimentation and debugging.
• Exposure to silicon bring-up environments or hardware validation workflows.
• Contributions to hardware security research, tooling, or vulnerability disclosures, whether internal or public.

Working arrangement

This role uses Arm’s hybrid working model. The company’s approach is designed to balance high performance with personal wellbeing, bringing people together in person where it helps teams move quickly while still preserving flexibility. Hybrid patterns are set by each team based on the needs of the work, and the exact arrangement for this role will be shared during the application process. In some locations, flexibility may be affected by legal, regulatory, tax, or other local considerations, and Arm will work with candidates to find the best practical solution.

Support during recruitment

Arm provides accommodation and adjustment support during hiring for candidates who need it. Examples mentioned include breaks between interviews, documents being read aloud, and help with office accessibility. Candidates are invited to contact the recruitment team to discuss any support needed, and requests are handled confidentially.

Equal opportunity and culture

Arm describes itself as an equal opportunity employer and says it is committed to a respectful environment where applicants and employees are treated fairly. The company states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. The broader culture emphasizes collaboration, individual ownership, strong team alignment, bold thinking, and the ability to make an impact at scale in a fast-moving, supportive environment.

Pay and application details

The advertised salary range for this position is £97,300 to £131,700 per year. The role is listed for Cambridge, United Kingdom, and Munich, Germany, and is categorized under Product Security. Applicants can submit their application through Arm’s careers site using the job application and save-job options shown on the page.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

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