Job Description
Ultra ProLogic is expanding its encryption business and seeking an Embedded Firmware Engineer to help architect, implement, and certify high-assurance cryptographic systems used by the U.S. Department of Defense, NATO, and allied partners.

This role goes beyond traditional embedded development. You will work on security-critical software and firmware that must meet NSA High Assurance (HA) certification requirements, contributing directly to cryptographic information assurance architectures, certification artifacts, and fielded systems protecting real-world tactical and strategic networks.

If you are motivated by deep technical challenges-secure embedded design, Rust adoption in constrained environments, and building systems that withstand formal certification scrutiny-this role offers rare and meaningful work.

What You'll Work On
• High-assurance cryptographic and key management systems supporting secure communications, remote rekey, and lifecycle management
• Embedded software and firmware operating within defined crypto, INFOSEC, and High Assurance boundaries
• Architecture and implementation of cryptographic information assurance (IA) software and systems
• Systems that undergo formal NSA High Assurance certification, from requirements through fielding and sustainment
Role Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain embedded firmware primarily in VHDL for cryptographic and security-critical platforms
• Develop embedded algorithms and functions in firmware
• Develop device drivers for hardware components
• Architect cryptographic information assurance Firmware and systems, including definition of security boundaries, trusted services, and separation of crypto and non-crypto functions
• Perform trade studies and embedded architecture design, with emphasis on red-black separation, Security Monitor, bus interfaces and channel development
• Actively support the NSA High Assurance certification process, including:
  • Requirements decomposition and traceability
  • Security architecture definition and documentation
  • Development of certification artifacts and evidence
  • Participation in technical reviews and certification milestones
• Develop and maintain formal engineering documentation:
  • Software & Hardware Requirements (SHRS, IRS)
  • Interface Control Documents (ICDs)
  • Software/Hardware Design Descriptions (SHDD)
• Develop and execute simulations, integration, and acceptance testing, including hardware-in-the-loop and security-relevant test cases
• Manage configuration control for firmware development items in certified baselines
• Collaborate closely with systems, hardware, software, security, and test engineers in a high-performance, mission-driven team
• Identify and implement process, tooling, and automation improvements to support secure development and certification efficiency
• Periodic travel (~5%) for customer interaction, test events, or off-site integration activities

Required Qualifications

• Active U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance (U.S. citizenship required)
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, or equivalent experience
• 8+ years of embedded firmware development experience in VHDL
• Experience with:
  • Low-level embedded development and debugging
  • ARM/MicroBlaze-based processors and SoC platforms
  • Firmware and hardware/software integration
• Strong understanding of memory management, concurrency, and deterministic embedded behavior

Preferred / Differentiating Experience

• 10+ years of embedded or firmware development experience
• Direct experience with NSA High Assurance certification, RMF, or similar DoD security frameworks
• Familiarity with cryptographic system design, key management, and secure boot/trust architectures
• Experience with:
  • AMD Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC (e.g., Xilinx ZCU102/104 Evaluation Kit or similar)
• Experience working in waterfall or agile development methodology-based projects
• Strong systems-thinking mindset with the ability to assess technical risk and security impact
• Clear communicator who thrives in collaborative, technically rigorous teams

Why Ultra ProLogic

• Work on fielded, certified cryptographic systems and research & development projects
• Direct exposure to and participation in NSA High Assurance certification
• Opportunity to influence system architecture, not just implementation
• Hands-on role in modernizing high-assurance systems
• Long-term programs, stable funding, and deeply technical challenges

#IC

#LI-Onsite

#LI-JK1

Notice

Due to the nature of the programs we deliver for our customers, candidates may need to obtain the relevant security clearance or handle export-controlled material as defined by the role's requirements.

Our Benefits

Every employee is critical to our success, and as such, we offer a range of flexible employee benefits, including:

• Annual Bonus - Annual Bonus - Performance Related
• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) package plus 11 company holidays
• Early finish on Friday
• 401K w/ company match
• Medical/Dental/Vision Benefits
• Student Loan Assistance Program
• Array of voluntary benefit offerings