Sr. Staff Software Engineer, Embedded Security

Description

Synaptics is leading the charge in AI at the Edge, bringing AI closer to end users and transforming how we engage with intelligent connected devices, whether at home, at work, or on the move. As the go-to partner for the world’s most forward-thinking product innovators, Synaptics powers the future with its cutting-edge Synaptics Astra™ AI-Native embedded compute, Veros™ wireless connectivity, and multimodal sensing solutions.  

 

We’re making the digital experience smarter, faster, more intuitive, secure, and seamless. From touch, display, and biometrics to AI-driven wireless connectivity, video, vision, audio, speech, and security processing, Synaptics is the force behind the next generation of technology enhancing how we live, work, and play. 

 

Overview  

The Synaptics Wi-Fi team is seeking a Sr. Staff Engineer, Embedded Security to join the WPD in India. This technical leadership role supports delivery of secure, high-volume IoT connectivity chipsets integrating MCU, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. You will work across silicon, firmware, RTOS, and connectivity stacks to architect and productize security solutions for next-generation wireless SoCs. This position reports to the Sr. Director, Software Engineering.

 

Responsibilities & Competencies

Job Duties

• Architect, design, and implement end-to-end security features across IoT connectivity SoCs (MCU + WLAN + Bluetooth), spanning ROM, Boot, Firmware, Host interfaces 
• Develop and productize core security capabilities including:  Secure Boot and Secure Firmware Update; Hardware-rooted trust and secure device lifecycle; Cryptographic services and accelerators; Secure storage, key management, and certificate lifecycle 
• Analyze complex cross-layer problems involving hardware, firmware, RTOS, and connectivity stacks, and deliver practical, robust security solutions under real-world constraints 
• Work closely with Silicon, Hardware Security, and Systems teams to define and integrate key security IPs such as TRNG, crypto engines, secure memory and secure key storage, debug authorization, and anti-rollback mechanisms 
• Lead low-level hardware bring-up and firmware development in an RTOS environment, including early silicon, emulation, and FPGA platforms 
• Drive security architecture and implementation from concept through production, including pre-tape out reviews, silicon bring-up, validation, and optimization 
• Rapidly learn, apply, and adapt to evolving security standards, threat models, and certification requirements, including Arm PSA Level 3 
• Support and drive connectivity security compliance and robustness, including:  WPA3 and Wi-Fi security certifications; Secure Vulnerability Disclosure (SVD); CVE analysis, root-cause investigation, and mitigation; Protocol robustness and fuzz testing 
• Perform threat modeling and attack surface analysis across hardware and firmware, using both structured methodologies and strong engineering judgment 
• Collaborate with global cross-functional teams (Wi-Fi MAC, Systems, Silicon, QA, and Product Security) across the full development lifecycle
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship through design reviews, code reviews, and architectural guidance

Competencies

• Exceptional problem-solving and debugging skills, particularly across hardware–software boundaries
• Strong learning agility, with a demonstrated ability to quickly acquire in-depth knowledge in new technical domains, including security
• Strong system-level thinking with the ability to balance security, performance, power, cost, and time-to-market
• Deep understanding of ARM-based SoC architectures, boot flows, memory protection, and isolation concepts
• Solid understanding of Wi-Fi Layer 2 protocols (802.11be/ax/ac/n) and general networking fundamentals
• Working knowledge of cryptographic principles and secure device lifecycle, with experience using or integrating security IPs (e.g., Arm CryptoCell or equivalent) is a strong plus
• Ability to read and debug ARM assembly code when required 
• Technical leader who influences design through clarity, reasoning, and execution, not hierarchy
• Exposure to Bluetooth security and multi-radio SoC environments
• Strong systems mindset: ability to balance security, performance, power, cost, and time-to-market
• Proactive, self-starter, able to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Well organized with strong attention to detail; proactively ensures work is accurate
• Positive attitude and work ethic; unafraid to ask questions and explore new ideas
• Resourceful and able to solve complex problems through adapting technology and a solid understanding of product architecture 
• Good verbal and written communication skills, in English
• Strong team player with the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse cross-functional team 

 

Qualifications (Requirements)

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Computer Science/Electronics Engineering or related field or equivalent 
• 12+ years experience in C programming  
• Experience with embedded systems, firmware, or connectivity domains 
• Experience developing firmware in RTOS environments, including task scheduling, synchronization, and data/control flow 
• Experience with high-speed interfaces such as PCIe, SDIO, and USB, including performance and security considerations 
• Prior experience with PSA, Common Criteria, or other security assurance frameworks 
• Experience participating in pre-silicon architecture reviews and post-silicon bring-up. 
• No travel required 

 

Belief in Diversity
Synaptics is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to workforce diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information.