Hardware Security Architect

About Us Axelera AI is not your regular deep-tech startup. We are creating the next-generation AI platform to support anyone who wants to help advancing humanity and improve the world around us. In just four years, we have raised a total of $120 million and have built a world-class team of 200+ employees (including 70+ PhDs with more than 40,000 citations), both remotely from 17 different countries and with offices in Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, the UK, headquartered at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, Netherlands. We have also launched our Metis™ AI Platform, which achieves a 3-5x increase in efficiency and performance, and have visibility into a strong business pipeline exceeding $100 million. Our unwavering commitment to innovation has firmly established us as a global industry pioneer. Are you up for the challenge? Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Hardware Security Architect to lead the design and implementation of hardware and software security for our next-generation AI processors. In this role, you will be responsible for architecting and validating all aspects of system security from secure boot and trusted key management to protection of AI models, parameters, and user data. You will collaborate closely with our hardware and software architecture teams to ensure that security is efficiently integrated at every layer of our computing stack. This is a unique opportunity to help define the secure foundation of a groundbreaking AI platform. Key responsibilities: System & Platform Security Architecture Architect and implement a fully secure hardware/software infrastructure for Axelera AI’s processors and platform, covering all stages of the product lifecycle — from secure design and manufacturing to 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) and balance security with DFT/testability requirements in collaboration with hardware and manufacturing teams. Security Provisioning & Manufacturing Design and manage end-to-end security provisioning, including secure key and credential management during fabrication, personalisation, deployment, and attestation. Coordinate secure supply chain processes with external providers, ensuring security measures align with production efficiency and test coverage goals. Certification, Compliance & Standards Define, plan, and lead certification efforts (e.g., 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. Integration, Development & Validation 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. Research & Innovation Stay abreast of advancements in cryptography, trusted computing, and hardware security. Propose and document innovative security solutions tailored to AI workloads and architectures, contributing to internal best practices and long-term strategy. Qualifications: Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field, with 5+ years’ 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, as well as 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 IoT or 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 We offer a flexible working arrangement, with options to: Work from one of our Axelera AI offices (Leuven in Belgium, Amsterdam and Eindhoven in the Netherlands, Zurich in Switzerland, Florence and Milan in Italy or Bristol in the United Kingdom) if you're already based in the vicinity. Work fully remotely from any European country (incl. the UK) you are already in. Relocate with us and work from Italy (Florence or Milan), Belgium (Leuven) or the Netherlands (Amsterdam or Eindhoven). Kindly note that priority will be given to candidates who are based in Bavaria (Munich), Belgium or Italy. What we offer This is your chance to shape and be part of a dynamic, fast-growing, international organization. We offer an attractive compensation package, including a pension plan, extensive employee insurances and the option to get company shares. An open culture that supports creativity and continual innovation is awaiting you. Collaborative ownership and freedom with responsibility is characteristic for the way we act and work as a team. At Axelera AI, we wholeheartedly embrace equal opportunity and hold diversity in the highest regard. Our steadfast commitment is to cultivate a warm and inclusive environment that empowers and celebrates every member of our team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of AI. #J-18808-Ljbffr