Hardware Security Architect

Hardware Security Architect – Axelera AI

Join us as a Hardware Security Architect at Axelera AI, a next‑generation AI platform company. We build secure AI processors and provide the foundation for AI workloads worldwide.

About Us

Axelera AI is a deep‑tech startup with a world‑class team of 220+ employees, including 49+ PhDs and 40,000 citations. We are headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, and have offices in Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, the UK, and remote teams across Europe. In four years we raised $120M, built the Metis™ AI Platform with 3‑5x efficiency, and launched a pipeline exceeding $100M.

Position Overview

We seek an experienced Hardware Security Architect to design and implement system security for our AI processors. You will architect secure boot, trusted key management, and protect AI models, parameters, and user data across the stack.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and implement a fully secure hardware/software infrastructure covering design, manufacturing, deployment, updates, and end‑of‑life.
• Define and document security features such as secure boot, trusted execution environments, key management, Root‑of‑Trust, and Secure Engine integration.
• Ensure protection of sensitive assets (AI models, parameters, user data) while balancing security with DFT/testability requirements.
• Design and manage end‑to‑end security provisioning, including secure key and credential management during fabrication, personalization, deployment, and attestation.
• Coordinate secure supply chain processes with external providers to align security measures with production efficiency and test coverage.
• Define, plan, and lead certification efforts (Common Criteria, FIPS, PSA Certified, ISO/SAE 21434), including documentation, audits, and cryptographic compliance.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of evolving security standards and regulations relevant to AI processors, embedded systems, and edge computing.
• Collaborate with software and hardware teams to integrate secure boot, encryption, and authentication mechanisms into the SDK, runtime, and SoC architecture.
• Evaluate and integrate third‑party or in‑house security IPs, and support validation and certification for complete AI systems.
• Stay abreast of advancements in cryptography, trusted computing, and hardware security, and propose innovative solutions tailored to AI workloads.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field, with 5+ years of experience in secure system architecture for embedded or high‑performance computing.
• Strong foundation in computer architecture, applied cryptography, and digital design; hands‑on skills in C, Python, and HDL.
• Proven expertise with Secure Boot, Root‑of‑Trust, Secure Engines, and hardware security IPs; experience with secure provisioning, key management, and manufacturing security.
• Experience with security certification processes (Common Criteria, FIPS, PSA Certified, ISO/SAE 21434) and navigating DFT‑security trade‑offs.
• Familiarity with AI/ML system security, model protection, side‑channel and fault‑injection mitigations, and automotive/security standards (e.g., UNECE R155/R156).
• Experience collaborating with external security vendors, auditors, and provisioning providers.
• Background in hardware security research or publications is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills and a proactive, ownership‑driven mindset valuing freedom with responsibility.

Location & Work Options

Flexible working arrangements: Work from our European offices (Leuven, Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Zurich, Florence, Milan, Bristol) if you are nearby, work fully remotely within Europe (incl. UK), or relocate to Italy, Belgium, or the Netherlands. Preference for candidates based in Bavaria, Belgium, or Italy.

EEO Statement

Axelera AI welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.