Product Security Engineer (Hardware-Focused)

District Partners is supporting a confidential search for a Product Security Engineer with deep hardware expertise—specifically in printed circuit boards (PCBs), side-channel attack mitigation, and reverse engineering defense. This is a rare opportunity to join a team solving real-world problems at the physical level, where adversaries aren’t just in code—they’re probing your circuitry.

The ideal candidate brings experience in electrical or systems engineering and has worked across product security, platform hardening, or hardware attack mitigation. You’ll be tackling security challenges in high-performance tech like AI systems, micro-electronics, mission platforms, autonomous vehicles, and advanced sensors.

This role is ideal for someone who can blend a hacker’s mindset with an engineer’s rigor—uncovering vulnerabilities, simulating real-world attack vectors, and building defensible systems from the ground up.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Lead the design and integration of hardware security features across high-stakes national security platforms
• Partner with electrical, systems, and software teams to proactively build in secure-by-design practices
• Simulate and execute physical-layer attacks to uncover weaknesses across platforms
• Collaborate with operations and manufacturing to implement secure workflows and tamper-resistant processes
• Review architecture and design across multiple programs to identify and address potential security risks

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Hands-on experience with PCB design and fabrication (e.g., Altium or similar toolsets)
• Familiarity with side-channel attacks and anti-tamper techniques
• Understanding of mechanical design software (e.g., SolidWorks) and thermal analysis tools (e.g., Ansys)
• Experience working on secure hardware systems at scale
• Exposure to supply chain security practices and vulnerability analysis
• Must hold an active U.S. Secret clearance and be eligible to maintain it

PREFERRED BACKGROUND

• Experience with FPGAs, CPLDs, or other programmable logic devices
• Knowledge of secure hardware architectures in embedded, aerospace, or cyber-physical systems
• Exposure to highly accelerated lifecycle testing (HALT) and ruggedized systems design

📍 Location: Reston, VA (Hybrid/Onsite Flexibility)

🛡️ Clearance: Active Secret required (TS preferred or upgradeable)

💰 Total Compensation: $200k - $300k

🚚 Relocation assistance available

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