1

Senior Hardware Security Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our team is looking for a Senior Hardware Security Engineer to support the design, implementation, integration, and deployment of secure cloud infrastructure platforms. This role works across ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$94K - $130K/yr

... hardware security elements. The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in electronic components, integrated circuitry, mechanical systems, and DSP systems, with demonstrated experience solving ...

$94K - $130K/yr

... hardware security elements. The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in electronic components, integrated circuitry, mechanical systems, and DSP systems, with demonstrated experience solving ...

$94K - $130K/yr

... hardware security elements. The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in electronic components, integrated circuitry, mechanical systems, and DSP systems, with demonstrated experience solving ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior Hardware Security Engineer information

See salary details

$73.5K

$137.1K

$186.5K

How much do senior hardware security engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior hardware security engineer in the United States is $137,131.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior hardware security engineer do?

A Senior Hardware Security Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating security features in hardware systems and devices. They work to identify vulnerabilities in hardware components, develop countermeasures, and ensure that products are resistant to attacks such as side-channel analysis or physical tampering. These engineers often collaborate with other security experts and hardware designers to integrate robust security features throughout the product lifecycle. Their work is crucial in industries like consumer electronics, automotive, and defense to protect sensitive data and maintain system integrity.

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

To thrive as a Senior Hardware Security Engineer, you need deep expertise in hardware design, cryptography, and vulnerability analysis, usually supported by a degree in electrical engineering or computer science. Familiarity with hardware description languages (HDL), security testing tools, and certifications like CISSP or CEH are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure the development and protection of secure hardware systems against evolving threats in critical applications.

What are some common challenges faced by senior hardware security engineers, and how are they typically addressed?

Senior Hardware Security Engineers often encounter challenges such as identifying and mitigating hardware vulnerabilities, staying updated with rapidly evolving attack techniques, and ensuring secure integration across diverse hardware platforms. These challenges are typically addressed by working closely with cross-functional teams—including design, verification, and software security groups—conducting regular threat modeling, and implementing rigorous testing procedures such as side-channel analysis and fault injection. Continuous learning and participation in industry forums also help engineers stay ahead of emerging threats.

What is the difference between Senior Hardware Security Engineer vs Hardware Security Engineer?

AspectSenior Hardware Security EngineerHardware Security Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires 5+ years experience, relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CEH)Entry to mid-level, often with 2-4 years experience, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads security projects, mentors teams, involved in strategic planningSupports security design, conducts assessments, collaborates with teams
Industry UsageUsed across tech, defense, semiconductor companiesCommon in hardware manufacturing, IoT, embedded systems

The main difference is experience level and responsibility. Senior Hardware Security Engineers lead projects and mentor others, while Hardware Security Engineers focus on implementing security measures. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in hardware security across industries.

More about Senior Hardware Security Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Senior Hardware Security Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Hardware Security Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Hardware Security Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Hardware Security Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Hardware Security Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Senior Hardware Security Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,131 per year, or $65.9 per hour.

Senior Hardware Security Engineer

Microsoft

Redmond, WA • On-site

$160K - $261K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Microsoft rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 246 rated software companies


Job description

Overview
Do you want to be at the forefront of innovating the latest hardware designs to propel Microsoft's cloud growth? Are you seeking a unique career opportunity that combines technical capabilities, cross-team collaboration, with business insight and strategy?
Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees, we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to achieve our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every daJoin the Systems Planning and Architecture (SPARC) team within Microsoft's Azure Hardware Systems and Infrastructure (AHSI) organization, the team behind Microsoft's expanding Cloud Infrastructure and for powering Microsoft's "Intelligent Cloud" mission. Microsoft delivers more than 200 online services to more than one billion individuals worldwide, and AHSI is the team behind our expanding cloud infrastructure. We deliver the core infrastructure and foundational technologies for Microsoft's cloud businesses including Microsoft Azure, Bing, MSN, Office 365, OneDrive, Skype, Teams and Xbox Live.
Our team is looking for a Senior Hardware Security Engineer to support the design, implementation, integration, and deployment of secure cloud infrastructure platforms. This role works across hardware, firmware, and security teams to develop platform capabilities, build engineering tools, and deliver reliable, scalable infrastructure solutions.
Responsibilities
  • Define technical requirements, specifications, and interface definitions for platform features and infrastructure capabilities.
  • Drive feature development from gathering requirements and microarchitecture design through implementation, system integration, validation, and deployment.
  • Develop software, scripting, and automation solutions to improve platform bring-up, testing, diagnostics, and operational efficiency.
  • Build and maintain engineering tools, telemetry, and debug infrastructure to enhance platform observability and reliability.
  • Support the integration and validation of platform security technologies, including secure boot, attestation, and hardware root of trust solutions.
  • Investigate and resolve complex system-level issues across hardware, firmware, and software components.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver robust platform solutions and improve engineering productivity.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 4+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
    • OR equivalent experience.

Other Requirements:
  • Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following specialized security screenings:
    • Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
  • 6+ years of experience in hardware, firmware, platform software, or cloud infrastructure engineering.
  • Strong programming and scripting skills in Python, C/C++, Go, PowerShell, or similar languages.
  • Experience developing engineering tools, automation frameworks, diagnostics, telemetry, or test infrastructure.
  • Understanding of platform security technologies such as secure boot, attestation, hardware root of trust, and trusted computing architectures.
  • Strong debugging and problem-solving skills across hardware, firmware, and software boundaries.
  • Experience delivering features from specification through implementation, integration, validation, and deployment.

Hardware Engineering IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $160,200 - $261,000 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

What Microsoft employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Microsoft logo

About Microsoft

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

1975

Social media