At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement secure cryptographic software for cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Join PQShield, a pioneering deep tech startup in the semiconductor industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private health insurance, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Work directly with founders and gain unparalleled learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team shaping the future of cryptography.
- Qualifications: Master's or PhD in computer science or related field; strong cryptography background required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
About the role
We are looking for a Cryptography Software Engineer to join our team to help design and implement the next generation of secure Embedded Software implementations of Classic & Post Quantum Cryptography.
About the role
We are looking for a Cryptography Software Engineer to join our team to help design and implement the next generation of secure Embedded Software implementations of Classic & Post Quantum Cryptography.
We have been established since 2018, so you would be directly working with the founders and inventors of this deep tech startup. The technology is already a couple of years in the making, its feasibility having been established, funding secured, and it has a clear path to market. This is a great opportunity for career progression and to get a head start in a rapidly expanding segment of the semiconductor industry (Post-Quantum Cryptography and RISC-V).
Our platform IP components come together as a RISC-V MCU based Sub-system with advanced (post-quantum) cryptography algorithm support and security features.
As a Senior Software Engineer at PQShield, you will be designing and developing secure solutions, helping to develop software solutions working seamlessly through the entire software development life cycle. You will assist with the development of PQShield\'s core software cryptography libraries. Responsibilities include developing internal tools to support the build, test and security analysis of PQShield\'s software products.
️ What you\'ll be doing
- Design, implement, and test classical and post-quantum cryptographic primitives with a strong emphasis on functional correctness, interoperability, and optimized performance across software environments.
- Develop and integrate cryptographic solutions on hardware platforms, including FPGA and hardware cryptographic coprocessors, with a focus on acceleration and secure implementation on ARM and RISC-V architectures.
- Harden cryptographic implementations against side-channel analysis (SCA), fault injection attacks (FIA), and other physical or logical threats through constant-time design and other countermeasures.
- Ensuring integration with cryptographic system and application API\'s, for example: GlobalPlatform, ARM Platform Security Architecture, Linux Kernel drivers
- Collaborate with cryptographers, security engineers, and cross-functional teams—including hardware, verification, and platform security—to review, validate, and harden cryptographic implementations.
- Contribute to performance benchmarking and optimization across multiple platforms.
- Contribute to design and code review meetings to improve cryptographic software quality, architecture, and development processes.
- Perform and support security-focused code reviews, including static and dynamic analysis, and apply formal methods such as model checking where applicable.
- Maintain and enhance existing cryptographic software, ensuring robustness, security, and performance across supported platforms.
- Support compliance with relevant security standards (e.g., FIPS, ISO/IEC, NIST PQC).
- Participate in threat modeling and risk assessments related to cryptographic software.
- Master\'s or PhD degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field, with a strong background in cryptography or computer security.
- Proficiency in C and Assembly, with a focus on resource-constrained, bare-metal environments. Experience with Rust is nice to have.
- Familiarity with classical and post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, including NIST PQC candidates, and a solid understanding of NIST and FIPS publications and compliance requirements.
- Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
- Experience with secure coding practices and countermeasures against implementation attacks.
- Solid understanding of side-channel attacks (timing, power, EM), fault attacks, and corresponding mitigation strategies.
- Hands-on experience with or working knowledge of security certification frameworks such as FIPS 140-3, SESIP, PSA Certified, or Common Criteria.
- Ability to read and implement specifications from cryptographic research papers.
- 2+ years of professional experience in cryptographic software engineering is preferred; however, we assess seniority primarily based on your depth of knowledge, hands-on experience, and problem-solving skills rather than just years worked.
- Unparalleled opportunities to learn and accelerated career development.
- A collaborative, team environment with people who truly love what they do.
- Competitive salary and share option scheme.
- Flexible and hybrid working, and a working from home budget.
- Private health insurance for yourself and your family.
- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and two wellness weeks).
- 50% gym membership discount.
- The chance to work with a spirited, smart, and friendly team!
Seniority level
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Job function
Engineering and Information TechnologyIndustries
Computer and Network Security
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#J-18808-LjbffrCryptography Software Engineer in Oxford employer: PQShield
At PQShield, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering unparalleled opportunities for learning and career advancement in the rapidly evolving field of cryptography. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and creativity, allowing you to work directly with the founders of this pioneering deep tech startup. With competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to inclusivity, PQShield is the ideal place for passionate individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the semiconductor industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cryptography Software Engineer in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in post-quantum cryptography. Understanding the current landscape and challenges will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the cryptography community through forums, webinars, or conferences. Networking with professionals in the industry can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals, increasing your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your coding skills, particularly in C and Assembly, as well as any experience you have with Rust. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these languages during technical discussions will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential technical interviews by reviewing common cryptographic algorithms and their implementations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will showcase your expertise and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Cryptography Software Engineer in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in cryptography and software engineering. Focus on relevant projects, especially those involving classical and post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, and any work with ARM or RISC-V architectures.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for cryptography and the semiconductor industry. Mention specific skills that align with the job description, such as your proficiency in C and Assembly, and your understanding of secure coding practices.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills:Provide examples in your application that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities, particularly in debugging and optimising cryptographic implementations. This could include challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them.
Highlight Collaboration Experience:Since the role involves working with cross-functional teams, emphasise any past experiences where you collaborated with cryptographers, security engineers, or hardware teams. This shows your ability to work effectively in a team environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at PQShield
✨Brush Up on Cryptography Fundamentals
Make sure you have a solid understanding of both classical and post-quantum cryptographic algorithms. Be prepared to discuss their applications, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as any recent developments in the field.
✨Showcase Your Coding Skills
Since proficiency in C and Assembly is crucial for this role, be ready to demonstrate your coding abilities. You might be asked to solve problems or even write code during the interview, so practice common algorithms and data structures beforehand.
✨Discuss Security Practices
Familiarise yourself with secure coding practices and countermeasures against implementation attacks. Be prepared to discuss your experience with side-channel attacks and how you've mitigated them in past projects.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that assess your problem-solving skills and debugging abilities. Review common issues faced in cryptographic software engineering and think through how you would approach solving them.
