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Hardware Security Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our team is a quickly growing group of committed researchers, engineers, policy experts, and ... About the role We're seeking a Platform Hardware Security Engineer to design and implement security ...

Hardware Reverse Engingeer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$127K - $167K/yr

Collaborating closely with top-tier hardware engineers and security researchers, you'll help tackle some of the toughest challenges in the field. Our growing roster of government customers depends on ...

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Hardware Security Researcher information

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How much do hardware security researcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardware security researcher in the United States is $51.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.76 and $53.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hardware security researcher?

Hardware security researchers are professionals who study and analyze the security of physical computing devices, such as microchips, embedded systems, and circuit boards. Their work involves identifying vulnerabilities, developing countermeasures against attacks, and ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of hardware systems. They often collaborate with engineers, manufacturers, and software security experts to protect devices from threats like side-channel attacks, hardware Trojans, and reverse engineering. Their findings help improve the security of products ranging from smartphones to critical infrastructure.

What are some common challenges faced by hardware security researchers when analyzing new hardware platforms?

Hardware Security Researchers often encounter challenges such as limited documentation, proprietary architectures, and obfuscated hardware designs when analyzing new platforms. Gaining access to technical details may require reverse engineering and extensive testing. Additionally, staying updated with evolving attack vectors and countermeasures while collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as firmware engineers and product designers, is essential to effectively uncover and address vulnerabilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware security researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hardware Security Researcher, you need a deep understanding of computer architecture, cryptography, and embedded systems, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as FPGA development boards, hardware debuggers, side-channel analysis equipment, and certifications like CISSP or CEH is typical. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you identify vulnerabilities and convey complex findings clearly. These skills are vital to ensuring the integrity and security of hardware systems in increasingly interconnected environments.

How do you become a hardware security researcher?

To become a hardware security researcher, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field, along with experience in hardware design, cryptography, and security protocols. Advanced roles may require a master's or Ph.D., along with knowledge of tools like FPGA, ASIC, and security testing techniques. Certifications such as CISSP or specialized hardware security courses can also enhance qualifications.

What cities are hiring for Hardware Security Researcher jobs?

Cities with the most Hardware Security Researcher job openings:

What states have the most Hardware Security Researcher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hardware Security Researcher jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Hardware Security Researcher jobs?

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Infographic showing various Hardware Security Researcher job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,000 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Offensive Hardware Security Researcher

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Nvidia Corporation
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

We are now looking for an Offensive Hardware Security Researcher!
NVIDIA is seeking an outstanding Offensive Hardware Security Researcher to work on a wide variety of security research challenges. Do you excel at thinking like an attacker, identifying hardware weaknesses, creating tools and automation for hardware vulnerability research? Join our team to hack the future, fortify the silicon frontier, and shape the destiny of groundbreaking chip technology!
What you will be doing:
  • Research vulnerabilities on cutting-edge SoC and GPU designs
  • Develop and use cutting-edge security tools and techniques
  • Guide the continuous integration of latest mitigations into our security architecture
  • Research and exploit side-channel, fault, and advanced physical attacks

What we need to see:
  • BS/BA degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience
  • 6+ years of work experience in a Security related field
  • Experience with ARM/RISCV assembly, Verilog and low-level C programming
  • Understanding of large SoC and ASIC architecture and design
  • Experience with security code reviews of complex firmware projects and defensive coding best practices (SDL, threat modeling)
  • Ability to work collaboratively and remotely with multiple experts to accomplish complex goals
  • Expertise in two of more of the following fields:
    • Expertise in side-channel analysis and mitigation for cryptographic primitives
    • TEE (TrustZone, SE), Confidential Computing, and/or microarchitectural attacks
    • Proficiency with Symbolic Execution and/or fuzzing tools
    • JTAG, debugging, binary instrumentation frameworks, ChipWhisperer
    • Reverse-engineering (IDA Pro, Ghidra)
    • Practical experience in utilizing machine learning techniques for performing side-channel attacks
  • Track record of advancing offensive security research field through vulnerability discoveries, research publications, and/or developing security tools

Ways to stand out from the crowd:
  • Understanding of pre-silicon hardware design and testing
  • Knowledge of key hardware security architecture components, and their implementation in complex SoC designs
  • Strong background in computer architecture, especially GPU or AI accelerator design

Our invention of the GPU in 1999 sparked the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI - the next era of computing - with the GPU acting as the brain of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can perceive and understand the world. Today, we are increasingly known as "the AI computing company". With competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us. If you're creative, autonomous and love a challenge, we want to hear from you!
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4, and 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5.
You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until June 30, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US