Hardware Security Architect, Axelera AI
More information about location
AI hardware and software for edge computing
Open for applications
AI hardware and software for edge computing
101-200 employees
Open for applications
More information about location
101-200 employees
Company mission
To spread artificial intelligence for a green, fair, trusted and safe world enabling new applications of AI in diverse sectors like smart cities, retail and other markets.
Role
Who you are
- 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
What the job involves
- 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
- You'll 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Our take
Axelera AI is a provider of AI-native solutions designed specifically for edge computing. The company's Metis AI platform offers a combination of advanced hardware and software, allowing computer vision applications to reach new heights of accessibility, power and user-friendliness.
What sets Axelera AI apart is its advanced in-memory computing and RISC-V controlled dataflow technology, enabling the development of first-generation AI acceleration platforms that deliver exceptional performance while significantly reducing cost and power consumption.
With a recent oversubscribed Series A funding round, Axelera AI is poised for global expansion and mass production of its AI-native hardware. The company's strategic partnerships and increasing market traction demonstrate the potential for significant growth in the semiconductor industry. Axelera also participated in the Embedded Vision Summit 2023, allowing it to showcase its Metis AI platform and demonstrate its industry leadership.
Freddie
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Company
Funding (last 2 of 6 rounds)
Mar 2025
$71m
GRANT
Jun 2024
$68m
SERIES B
Total funding: $203.9m
Company benefits
- Remote/flexible work
- Premium insurance
- Commute benefit
- Teambuilding activities
- Premium Pension
- Work-life balance
- Cutting-edge equipment
- Fresh fruit at the office
- Modern equipped facilities
Company HQ
Beemden, Eindhoven, Netherlands
Leadership
Fabrizio Del Maffeo
(CEO)Previously founded Bitfury and UP! Bridge The Gap, where they served as Managing Director. They also served as the VP and Managing Director at AAEON Technology Europe.
Graduated from Carleton University with a PhD in Electrical Engineering. Previously worked at IBM in multiple roles, including Cloud and Computing Infrastructure Department Head and Manager and Leader of Neuromorphic Computing Activities.
Salary benchmarks
We don't have enough data yet to provide salary benchmarks for this role.
Submit your salary to help other candidates with crowdsourced salary estimates.
Share this job
View 4 more jobs at Axelera AI