Security Architect, Custom Silicon

GlobalFoundries • Richardson, TX

3d

About The Position

About GlobalFoundries: GlobalFoundries is a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world’s most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, GlobalFoundries makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets. For more information, visit www.gf.com . Summary of Role: The SoC Security Architect defines and drives the hardware security architecture for SoCs across a range of end applications, with deep expertise in hardware security and HW/SW interaction. This role focuses on High Security Module (HSM) definition and SoC-level security architecture—including secure boot, Root of Trust (RoT), cryptographic IP integration, and security-aware DFT/TEST—to ensure robust protection against evolving threats across the entire product lifecycle.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical/Electronic/Computer Engineering or a related field.
• 10–15+ years of experience in SoC or MCU design with a strong focus on hardware security architecture and HW/SW interactions.
• Strong understanding of SoC architecture, AMBA/AXI-class interconnects, memory subsystems, and how security policies are enforced across HW/SW boundaries.
• Proven experience with threat modeling, risk assessment, security validation, and vulnerability analysis for SoC-based systems.
• Hands-on background with RTL design, synthesis concepts, and EDA flows sufficient to review and guide secure implementation (even if not the primary RTL owner).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for specifications, reviews, and stakeholder alignment.

Nice To Haves

• 15+ years of experience in custom silicon, ASIC, or SoC development with a track record of leading Architecture.
• Expertise in secure boot, RoT concepts, cryptographic protocol usage, and security IP integration at the SoC level.
• Familiarity with embedded software development and secure firmware concepts, including secure update mechanisms and runtime integrity checks.
• Experience with security-focused specifications and standards such as Caliptra, DICE, or related attestation and hardware RoT frameworks.
• Exposure to hardware fuzzing and software exploitation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Define SoC hardware security architecture and requirements, including HSM specification, secure boot/RoT concepts, and cryptographic IP integration strategies.(AES/SHA/PKA/PUF/PQC etc)
• Lead threat modeling, risk assessments, and vulnerability analysis; translate into architectural mitigations and design constraints.
• Architect HW/SW security boundaries and co-design flows for secure boot, firmware services, drivers, and runtime protection.
• Define secure key storage/provisioning (eFUSE/OTP) and security-aware DFT/TEST strategies balancing coverage and attack resistance.
• Collaborate with architecture, RTL, verification, DFT, PD, and software teams to embed security into implementation and validation flows.
• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards (ISO 21434), optimize for PPA trade-offs, and drive system-level security validation.
• Stay current on threats/standards (Caliptra, DICE) and provide technical leadership through reviews and security guidance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Architecture, RTL Design, Verification, DFT, Physical Design, Firmware/Software, Systems, Quality, and Product/Customer teams) to align security, safety, test, and product requirements and to support customer discussions, audits, and security reviews.
• Ensure security, safety, and system-level design compliance in architecture, adhering to relevant standards (e.g., ISO 26262, IEC 61508).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level