QT Technologies Ireland Limited
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > ASICS Engineering
General Summary:
Qualcomm is a world leader in semiconductor innovation — the company behind the technology powering 5G, Snapdragon, and next-generation connected devices. Our GSOC Tech Security Lab in Cork is one of the most advanced hardware penetration testing labs in the industry, and we're growing.
About the role
We're looking for a Hardware Security Engineer to join our hands-on penetration testing lab in Cork. You'll work directly on Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon chipsets — testing, breaking, and hardening cutting-edge silicon. This is a real offensive security role — not compliance, not paperwork. Expect to get deep into silicon-level attacks, cryptographic analysis, and hardware exploitation, with strong collaboration across Qualcomm's global security network.
Key Responsibilities:
Perform hardware & firmware penetration testing on Qualcomm SoCs and chipsets
Execute Side-Channel Attacks (SCA) and Fault Injection (FI) experiments on real silicon
Evaluate cryptographic implementations (AES, RSA, SHA, DES) for vulnerabilities
Develop offensive tools, scripts, and methodologies for security evaluation
Assess security threats and recommend effective countermeasures
Collaborate with Qualcomm security labs across the globe
Engage with government security certification frameworks (e.g., Common Criteria)
Preferred Qualifications:
Hands-on experience with Fault Injection (FI) or Side-Channel Attacks (SCA) — essential!
Strong understanding of cryptographic algorithms and their hardware implementations
Curiosity, hacker mindset, and a genuine passion for breaking things to make them safer
Knowledge of statistical analysis and/or entropy analysis
Strong knowledge of microprocessor architecture
Familiarity with signal processing, data analytics, or machine learning
Proficiency in scripting/programming languages (Python, C, MATLAB, etc.)
Exposure to government security standards and certification processes
Where you will be working
Cork has a proud reputation as Ireland's second largest economic engine and is now one of the Top 20 location choices in Europe with 39,000 people being employed by over 170 overseas companies.
There's a growing diversity in the region with people from many nationalities relocating to Cork, relishing the opportunity to work and live in a location that offers an excellent quality of life.
A gateway to Europe, Cork airport provides access to almost 50 international destinations including transatlantic air routes.
Equal Opportunities
We are an Equal Opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any protected classification.
What's on Offer
Apart from working in an open, relaxed and collaborative space, you will enjoy:
Salary, stock and performance related bonus
Maternity/Paternity Leave
Employee stock purchase scheme
Matching pension scheme
Education Assistance
Relocation and immigration support (if needed)
Life, Medical, Income and Travel Insurance
Subsidised memberships for physical and mental well-being
Bicycle purchase scheme
Employee run clubs, including, running, football, chess, badminton + many more
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field and 4+ years of ASIC design, verification, validation, integration, or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field and 3+ years of ASIC design, verification, validation, integration, or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Science, Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of ASIC design, verification, validation, integration, or related work experience.
*References to a particular number of years experience are for indicative purposes only. Applications from candidates with equivalent experience will be considered, provided that the candidate can demonstrate an ability to fulfill the principal duties of the role and possesses the required competencies.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail [email protected] or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here . Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies : Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers .
