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Hardware Security Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

As a Firmware Security Researcher, you will work with cutting edge technology alongside some of the ... hardware, user privacy, design, and more. Your influence will be felt throughout Apple ...

$130K - $195K/yr

You will work directly with a team of hardware security research subject matter experts (SME), the senior Principal Investigator, Technical Lead, and Program Manager to support various project ...

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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 11, 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 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,000 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

GPU Hardware Security Architect

Santa Clara, CA • Hybrid

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Advanced Micro Devices rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING 

At AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences—from AI and data centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you’ll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world’s most important challenges—striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond.  Together, we advance your career.  



THE ROLE:

We are seeking a self-motivated GPU Hardware Security Architect to join our growing GPU Architecture team. In this role, you will help define AMD’s next-generation GPU security architecture across AI/ML, Compute, and Discrete Gaming products.
The position will drive security features that protect register access, firmware interfaces, configuration controls, and sensitive customer data. Responsibilities include threat modeling, access-path analysis, security architecture, and cross-functional execution support, and require strong technical depth, problem-solving ability, and communication skills.

THE PERSON:

We are looking for an adaptive, self-motivated engineer to join our growing GPU architecture team. As a key contributor, you will be part of a leading team to drive AMD's market-leading GPU designs across AI/Machine Learning, Compute, and Discrete GPU gaming products. You will be involved with threat modeling, analyzing data and register access paths, and researching security features for our next-generation designs. The role requires a special combination of technical breadth, problem-solving, and soft skills. The GPU Security Architect is a cross-functional technical leader.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Investigate and architect nextgeneration GPU IP features that enhance protection of register access and sensitive customer data, while enabling forward-looking product capabilities.
  • Research and quantify attack vectors through which bad actors can gain access to customer data or GPU configuration, disrupt correct GPU operation, impact performance, or circumvent GPU protections.
  • Experienced in the use of AI tools to identify and resolve security issues.
  • Ensure AMD's security offerings meet industry standards and anticipate industry trends.
  • Work with AMD SoC and other IP teams to track trends and development directions for GPU security.
  • Write and deliver architectural specifications to development teams (HW, SW, Firmware, etc).
  • Architect new GPU algorithms to improve GPU security without compromising performance.
  • Provide technical and cross-functional debug support to execution teams, including Silicon bring-up.
  • Perform design and threat analysis of firmware and hardware, to ensure quality and robustness.
  • Deliver architecture specifications and/or review proposals from internal/external sources
  • Guide execution teams in comprehending and following GPU security guidelines.
  • Collaborate with internal AMD teams (Product and System Architects, RTL, PD, SW, Bring-up) to deliver best-in-class security solutions.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

  • Relevant work experience focused on computer architecture and security, with a strong understanding of the factors influencing register and firmware access protections at chip, system, and product levels.
  • Thorough knowledge of RTL design and/or verification.
  • Proven track record of providing and following through with pragmatic security requirements
  • Expert at tackling multi-variable problems via system-level modeling, testing and characterization, trend analysis/projection, and model verification.
  • Computing and Graphics architecture.
  • A drive to continuously learn and expand architectural breadth and depth.
  • Understands GPU security/power/performance, SW and FW access, and system-level trade-offs
  • Graphics Shader behavior is a benefit.
  • Knowledge of Machine Learning and AI usage is a benefit.
  • Threat modeling tools.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS

  • Accomplished listener who can analyze, abstract, communicate, and converge on the best ideas.
  • Develop strong partnerships over time with program stakeholders across the organization and development teams outside the organization.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, analytical, planning, and teamwork skills.

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS:

  • Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering/Electrical Engineering or Masters in Computer Engineering/Electrical Engineering or PhD in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering.

LOCATION:

Santa Clara, CA

#LI-PA1

#LI-Hybrid

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.



Benefits offered are described:  AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.   We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position.  AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.

 

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Qualifications:

Benefits offered are described:  AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.   We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position.  AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.

 

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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