Security Researcher

As a Security Researcher at Tropic Square, your main responsibilities include supporting and guiding our ASIC and Firmware design teams in secure chip implementations, conducting research on various security topics like fault injection prevention and side channel leakage assessments, and collaborating with academic partners to advance our Secure Design techniques.

To join Tropic Square as a Security Researcher, a PhD or Masters degree in Embedded Security is essential. Familiarity with applied cryptography is a plus, and candidates should possess a high level of autonomy and an eagerness for growth, alongside proficiency in English.

In your role as a Security Researcher at Tropic Square, you will delve into various security topics such as fault injection prevention, side channel leakage assessments, and test vector leak assessments, as well as exploring known attacks in hardware security and state-of-the-art countermeasure technologies.

Tropic Square fosters a work culture that prioritizes transparency, honesty, and collaboration. As a Security Researcher, you’ll be part of an agile team where flexible working hours are encouraged, and there are plentiful opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Tropic Square is committed to supporting the growth of its Security Researchers through opportunities to learn from top professionals in the field, flexible working arrangements, and involvement in innovative projects. We believe in providing a high level of freedom and open communication.

Be prepared to discuss specific methods you've employed to implement fault injection prevention in previous projects, detailing how these techniques were applied to ensure hardware security and any measurable outcomes.

When answering this question, explain your understanding of side channel attacks, along with examples from your experience. Highlight potential countermeasures you have implemented or researched, demonstrating your technical knowledge.

Share your methods for staying informed, such as following industry publications, participating in conferences, or collaborating with academic institutions. This showcases your commitment to continuous learning in the field of hardware security.

Use the STAR method to outline a specific project, detailing the challenges faced, the actions you took to address them, and the successful outcomes. Be sure to highlight your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.

Emphasize your teamwork and communication skills. Discuss your approach to collaboration and how you leverage diverse perspectives to achieve project goals, which is particularly valuable in an agile environment.

Explain your understanding of applied cryptography and how you have utilized it in past projects. Discuss its importance in protecting data in embedded systems and any innovative approaches you've taken.

Select a specific known attack, describe its mechanics, and discuss the mitigation strategies you've encountered or implemented. This demonstrates your knowledge and practical experience in the field.

Articulate your alignment with Tropic Square’s mission and values. Discuss how your expertise will contribute to their goals and express enthusiasm for being part of a pioneering project in secure embedded electronics.

Outline your career aspirations and how this position at Tropic Square aligns with your goals. This shows your ambition and commitment to developing as a professional in the field of security research.

Share an example of a setback you've experienced, how you approached it, and what lessons you learned. This illustrates your resilience and capacity for growth in the face of challenges.