Hardware Embedded Research Scientist

Riverside Research is seeking an entry-level Embedded Hardware Security Research Engineer to work alongside our US Air Force (USAF) and Department of Defense (DoD) partners to develop tamper-protected microelectronic devices and intellectual property (IP). This position is an entry-level engineering role that provides a technical path and opportunity to become a Subject Matter Expert (SME) role in the understanding of advanced attacks against state-of-the-art integrated circuits and the design and development of protective controls to mitigate such attacks. You will work with nationally recognized hardware security experts employing a range of microelectronics test equipment, custom software, and computing resources to provide exceptional support to our customers. This research work is conducted on-site in Riverside Research’s microelectronics and embedded systems security laboratory in Beavercreek, Ohio.

This is a part-time position, working no more than 20 hours/month. Responsibilities Conducts technical research activities within applied mathematics and hardware security, assigned by senior technical leads developing solutions to complex hardware security projects.

• Performs research supporting assessment state-of-the-art attack effectiveness against various microelectronic devices by analyzing data collected from various attacks (side channel analysis, fault injection, and reverse engineering).

• Supports engineers in the development of hardware algorithms for secure microelectronic devices (microcontrollers, FPGAs, etc.), code reviews and design meetings.

• Analyzes the use of mathematical functions (cryptography, random number generation (RNG), error code correction (ECC), etc.) in secure architectures to identify vulnerabilities.

• Documents findings in technical reports and presentations.

• Enrolled in accredited program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or other related discipline.

• Proficiency in C, C++, Rust, or Python.

• Familiarity and interest in cryptography and/or embedded hardware security.

• Ability to work semi-independently on assigned tasks with limited scope and with technical supervision in a highly collaborative team-based R&D environment.

Experience in creating technical reports, developing research papers and presenting technical material supporting research areas to peer-level technical audiences.

• Ability and willingness to obtain a security clearance, and program access requirements.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience performing statistical and data analysis.

• Experience with Verilog, VHDL, or SystemC.

• Experience working with FPGAs or ASICs.

• Interest in cryptographic algorithms and protocols, and their implementation on embedded technologies including microcontrollers, FPGAs, ASICs, and related technologies.

• Experience using lab equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, etc.).

• Active security clearance.

$25.00 - $35.00 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors. Closing Statement Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law. Riverside Research is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local law.

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems.