GlobalFoundries

Security Architect, Custom Silicon

USA - Texas - Richardson Full time

About GlobalFoundries:

GlobalFoundries is a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world’s most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, GlobalFoundries makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets. For more information, visit www.gf.com.

Summary of Role:

The SoC Security Architect defines and drives the hardware security architecture for SoCs across a range of end applications, with deep expertise in hardware security and HW/SW interaction. This role focuses on High Security Module (HSM) definition and SoC-level security architecture—including secure boot, Root of Trust (RoT), cryptographic IP integration, and security-aware DFT/TEST—to ensure robust protection against evolving threats across the entire product lifecycle.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Define SoC hardware security architecture and requirements, including HSM specification, secure boot/RoT concepts, and cryptographic IP integration strategies.(AES/SHA/PKA/PUF/PQC etc)
  • Lead threat modeling, risk assessments, and vulnerability analysis; translate into architectural mitigations and design constraints.
  • Architect HW/SW security boundaries and co-design flows for secure boot, firmware services, drivers, and runtime protection.
  • Define secure key storage/provisioning (eFUSE/OTP) and security-aware DFT/TEST strategies balancing coverage and attack resistance.
  • Collaborate with architecture, RTL, verification, DFT, PD, and software teams to embed security into implementation and validation flows.
  • Ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards (ISO 21434), optimize for PPA trade-offs, and drive system-level security validation.
  • Stay current on threats/standards (Caliptra, DICE) and provide technical leadership through reviews and security guidance.

Other Responsibilities: 

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Architecture, RTL Design, Verification, DFT, Physical Design, Firmware/Software, Systems, Quality, and Product/Customer teams) to align security, safety, test, and product requirements and to support customer discussions, audits, and security reviews.
  • Ensure security, safety, and system-level design compliance in architecture, adhering to relevant standards (e.g., ISO 26262, IEC 61508).

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical/Electronic/Computer Engineering or a related field.
  • 10–15+ years of experience in SoC or MCU design with a strong focus on hardware security architecture and HW/SW interactions.
  • Strong understanding of SoC architecture, AMBA/AXI-class interconnects, memory subsystems, and how security policies are enforced across HW/SW boundaries.
  • Proven experience with threat modeling, risk assessment, security validation, and vulnerability analysis for SoC-based systems.
  • Hands-on background with RTL design, synthesis concepts, and EDA flows sufficient to review and guide secure implementation (even if not the primary RTL owner).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for specifications, reviews, and stakeholder alignment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 15+ years of experience in custom silicon, ASIC, or SoC development with a track record of leading Architecture.
  • Expertise in secure boot, RoT concepts, cryptographic protocol usage, and security IP integration at the SoC level.
  • Familiarity with embedded software development and secure firmware concepts, including secure update mechanisms and runtime integrity checks.
  • Experience with security-focused specifications and standards such as Caliptra, DICE, or related attestation and hardware RoT frameworks.
  • Exposure to hardware fuzzing and software exploitation techniques.

Expected Salary Range

$153,000.00 - $265,000.00

The exact Salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience and location.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at usaccommodations@gf.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. 

 

An offer with GlobalFoundries is conditioned upon the successful completion of pre-employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations. 

 

GlobalFoundries is fully committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and believes that cultural diversity within the company enhances its business potential. GlobalFoundries goal of excellence in business necessitates the attraction and retention of highly qualified people. Artificial barriers and stereotypic biases detract from this objective and may be illegally discriminatory. 

 

All policies and processes which pertain to employees including recruitment, selection, training, utilization, promotion, compensation, benefits, extracurricular programs, and termination are created and implemented without regard to age, ethnicity, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic or category specified by local, state or federal law