Principal Security Software Architect

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

Synaptics is seeking a Principal Security Software Architect to help define and drive the next generation of secure platforms. You will advance our security roadmap, quantum-safe readiness, and AI model protection, partnering with silicon, firmware, and software teams to design and support security features from concept through deployment, including direct customer engagement and cross-team collaboration. This position reports to Sr. Director, Software Engineering.

The typical base pay range for this position is USD $180,000 - $283,800 per year. Individual pay is determined by many factors including work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. This position is also eligible for a discretionary annual performance bonus, equity, and other benefits. Note that compensation listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits.

Responsibilities & Competencies

Job Duties

• Define and evolve Synaptics’ secure architecture roadmap, including the SynaProt & SPK Root-of-Trust frameworks across product lines
• Lead security feature design reviews, interface specifications, and internal audits for security development team(s)
• Guide implementation and validation of secure boot, key provisioning, life cycle management, and PQC enablement
• Support security certification goals (e.g., PSA/SESIP Level 2/3, FIPS 140-3) and contribute to associated documentation and evidence collection
• Collaborate with Software, Hardware, and AI teams to design AI security and data integrity mechanisms ensuring confidentiality of workloads
• Provide customer-facing security support for integration, provisioning, and feature enablement — ensuring smooth deployment of secure solutions
• Mentor and guide engineering teams to strengthen internal security awareness and best practices
• Engage with PSIRT (Internal & External) process, to define and maintain effective vulnerability management workflows
  
  

Competencies

• Deep understanding of cryptography (symmetric, asymmetric, PQC), secure boot, trusted provisioning, and Root-of-Trust concepts
• Familiarity with ARM TrustZone, Trust provisioning, and secure debug mechanisms
• Ability to independently design, develop and verify security-related silicon features
• Strong problem-solving skill with the ability to adapt technology to meet product architecture requirements
• Strong organizational skills with ability to effectively plan and prioritize
• Proven ability to design, architect, and review security features in embedded SoCs or systems
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate complex security requirements into scalable and efficient architecture designs
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills across hardware, software, and customer-facing teams
• Establishes clear expectations, sets objectives and brings multiple parties together to drive key initiatives
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to write technical specifications and engage directly with external customers and internal stakeholders
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment
  
  

Qualifications (Requirements)

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field or equivalent
• 15 years of experience in embedded security architecture, silicon design, or firmware development
• Hands-on experience with security IP, key provisioning, lifecycle management, and cryptographic module integration
• Strong knowledge of security certification frameworks (e.g., PSA Certified, SESIP, FIPS)
• Experience with silicon bring-up, FPGA validation, and HW/SW co-design for security
• Familiarity with DevSecOps tools, vulnerability analysis, and secure development workflows is a must
• Knowledge of AI/ML security, data protection, or trusted inference is desirable
• Hands-on experience with FPGA and Veloce silicon verification tools
• Proficiency in C programming and embedded system architecture
• Familiarity with code hardening, tamper detection, and resilience against fault or glitch attacks is desirable
• Experience in DRM, OTT, STB, or DTV technology is a plus
• Up to 10% domestic and international travel may be 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.