Hardware Security Engineer - Consultant in Cambridge

Job Description

Awerian works with leading industry and national defence partners to assess critical systems for potential vulnerabilities, contributing novel software and hardware cyber defense techniques which use Awerian’s physics-first approach to go far beyond the typical “IT approach” to cyber security. As a consultant at Awerian you will use your curiosity, creativity, and rigor to tackle diverse, real‑world challenges which are typically at the forefront of emerging technologies.

Hardware Security at Awerian demands technical expertise coupled with creative thinking to understand the connections between the software, hardware, underpinning infrastructure, and user interaction of systems to identify, understand, and design solutions to protect against potential cyber‑physical vulnerabilities.

You will use your experience to understand systems, identify potential hardware or cyber‑physical security implications and develop proof‑of‑concept demonstrators, often in novel settings, pulling together third‑party components and building elements yourself. And you will see ideas become reality as you create impactful solutions through Awerian’s rapid approach to design and implementation. It’s a fantastically challenging, varied, and agile role.

Awerian’s wide variety of projects often bring together aspects of science, engineering, machine learning and cyber, and span initial proofs‑of‑concept through to development of working prototypes, providing both intellectual and practical challenges. Projects are rapidly evolving, in line with both the nature of the technology landscape and our clients’ requirements and can span from a few months to multi‑year programmes. Typical elements include:

• Understanding systems on a deep technical level through intense research and testing.
• Considering potential cyber‑physical vulnerabilities, often for niche applications.
• Generating novel concepts and approaches to address challenges.
• Rapid prototyping and troubleshooting.
• Designing and building proof‑of‑concept demonstrators, or special products.
• Analysing results and drawing and presenting conclusions.
• Making recommendations for further research.

Projects will also stretch and develop your commercial awareness, through partnership with clients to understand their needs and deliver high‑quality outcomes at pace.

Qualifications

Successful applicants will demonstrate some of the following key attributes:

• Hold a strong undergraduate degree in a relevant subject including (but not limited to) Engineering, Computer Science or Physics.
• Possess understanding of electronics hardware, sensors, and/or systems and their functionality in real world applications.
• Demonstrate experience interfacing with and debugging a range of hardware, for example, via standard protocols (e.g. JTAG, UART) or test and measurement equipment (e.g. oscilloscopes).
• Be able to design and build hardware prototypes and demonstrators.
• Bring an outside‑the‑box approach, creative problem‑solving ability, independent mindset, and broad interest in developments across cyber security.
• Be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Possess the ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively within an expert team in a high‑performing environment.

The following are desirable but not essential:

• Experience in the UK Defence and Security sector.
• Experience of, or the skills required for, client‑facing roles.
• Technical expertise in one or more of the following areas:
• Vulnerability research and reverse engineering,
• Cyber‑physical systems.
• Low‑level programming on embedded systems or similar.
• Tamper‑proof electronics.
• Communications, networking, and protocol analysis.
• RF technologies and Software Defined Radio.

Owing to the fast‑paced, collaborative nature of our work, successful applicant(s) would be expected to work on‑site full time, in our state‑of‑the‑art office and labs at the TTP Campus (Cambridge Road, Melbourn, SG8 6HQ).

Additional Information

Why Awerian?

Awerian is a research and technology development consultancy, comprising ~40 mathematicians, scientists, and engineers. Awerian provides advanced R&D services to the UK defence and national security sector and specialises in delivering innovative solutions at pace to its clients’ most challenging technical problems. As part of the wider TTP Group, Awerian works closely with its sister consultancy TTP plc and shares state‑of‑the‑art facilities within a purpose‑built campus in green surroundings close to Cambridge.

Awerian consultants regularly contribute and collaborate flexibly according to project needs, leveraging existing expertise and quickly upskilling in emerging areas. Immediately you will be encouraged to share and implement your ideas as a valued member of the team, enjoying a high level of autonomy and responsibility: managing your own time, taking ownership of tasks, and investing in shared project visions.

Awerian operates a flat structure, without boundaries between different skill areas and with a strong culture of freedom and openness. This encourages mutual support, teamwork, and innovation. It also creates unique opportunities to develop project leadership, client management, and commercial skills alongside technical expertise.

Supervision and mentorship are provided both formally and informally across several levels:

• Day‑to‑day work is typically organised around projects, with oversight provided by Project Leaders and support and mentorship on hand from more experienced colleagues.
• Each consultant is assigned a People Manager who provides support and guidance and takes a particular interest in their progress and development.
• Awerian, and the wider TTP Group, provides a supportive environment with on‑going opportunities for learning and sharing of expertise and skills, such as skills communities and in‑house developed training.

Benefits:

• Annual profit‑related bonus
• Virtual shares that reward you with a stake in TTP Group’s long‑term success
• Employer pension contribution of 10% of salary
• Private medical insurance for employees and dependants
• Free onsite lunch
• Life insurance worth 6 × salary
• 25 days holiday
• Enhanced parental leave and flexible return‑to‑work support
• Electric car leasing and cycle‑to‑work schemes
• Interest‑free travel season ticket loan
• Local sports facilities and theatre discounts and memberships
• Comprehensive relocation support (if applicable)

Please click the following link to read the TTP Group Diversity Statement.

You will need to be eligible for UK security clearance.

Please note this role is not eligible for UKVI sponsorship visa scheme.