Job description
The role

The role is part of CPU Software, where teams develop and maintain RISC-V software, not only for Imagination-specific processors and platforms, but also for the wider open-source ecosystem to ensure optimised support for this exciting and disruptive architecture. As a Security Software Engineer you will be working in a dynamic environment, interacting both with your own team and with several of Imagination’s other engineering teams (including hardware and software). There is also scope for external collaboration as we coordinate work with other organisations around the world who share our interest in RISC-V’s success.

As part of a team working on Imagination RISC-V platforms, you will be working on projects that enhance the architecture’s security solutions. Previous RISC-V security experience is not expected. Typically, you will:
• Be responsible for the design and implementation of software in one or more of the following areas:
• CPU firmware such as bootloaders and secure platform management
• RISC-V implementations of established security frameworks such as Trusted Execution Environments or GlobalPlatform APIs
• Secure debugging and tooling support for the RISC-V Security Model and related extensions
• Contribute to the wider RISC-V software ecosystem, helping to enhance support for the architecture in various open-source projects (not just security-related)
• Document code, algorithms, and processes to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration
• Provide software input to help our design teams improve each generation of RISC-V CPU
• Leverage the knowledge of security architects to develop robust software implementations
• Support our engagement with other organisations working in these areas
• Be able to contribute to the team’s wider efforts to bootstrap Linux on various Imagination CPUs

About You

Committed to making your customers, stakeholders and colleagues successful, you’re an excellent communicator, listener and collaborator who builds trusted partnerships by delivering what you say, when you say. You’re curious, solutions orientated and a world-class problem solver who constantly seeks opportunities to innovate and achieve the best possible outcome to the highest imaginable standard.

You'll have:
• Strong C or C++ programming experience
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• Some knowledge of system firmware and its purpose (e.g. BIOS, UEFI, SMM or TrustZone/TF-A)
• Linux development experience
• An understanding of basic security principles (e.g. public-key cryptography, signatures)

You might also have:
• Good Python and shell scripting skills
• Some familiarity with programming at assembly level
• Knowledge of different Instruction Set Architectures (e.g. x86_64, ARM64)
• Hands on experience with hardware (e.g. Raspberry Pi, FPGAs, Android devices)
• Experience of, or a strong interest in, developing security-related software
• Knowledge of basic Operating System concepts (e.g. interrupt handling, privilege levels)

Who We Are

At Imagination, we love innovating. We spend our time creating the graphics and AI chips that are at the core of your favourite electronic products, and we are expanding our IP portfolio to include RISC-V CPUs as part of our efforts to create the best Compute offering in the market. We have a no-compromise approach to making our technology as high performance and power-efficient as possible, all while being squeezed into the smallest space possible.

It’s this relentless drive to push the boundaries of what’s possible that has led to Imagination powering more than 10 billion of the world’s most iconic electronic devices, from smartphones to smart TVs, from drones to self-driving cars.

We need your skills to help us continue to deliver technology that will impress the industry and our customers alike, ensuring that people everywhere can enjoy smarter and faster tech than ever before.

So come join us if you're wanting that something more

Bring your talent, curiosity and expertise and we’ll help you do the rest. You’ll be part of one of the world’s most exciting companies who are one of the leaders in semiconductor IP solutions.

As a part of our team, you can help us transform, innovate, and inspire the lives of millions through our technology.

Additional Information

If you encounter accessibility barriers in the application process or if you have access needs and require support or adjustments to participate equitably in the recruitment process, please email [email protected].