Hardware Security Researcher - Internship

About Ledger

We’re a team of experts pushing the limits of what’s possible, united by our common goal to unlock true freedom through digital ownership, making technology accessible for all. We believe in a world where users, creators and enterprises manage their value with ownership and freedom. Our curiosity drives us to innovate, empowering individuals on a global scale. We believe change is constant and our team moves forward as one, with a culture of problem-solving where every employee is empowered and supported to challenge tradition and create solutions. Our mission is simple: to make self-custody accessible and give people the keys to their own financial futures. If you want to make a true impact, we want you to join us at Ledger.

At Ledger, we’re proud to be the global platform for digital assets and Web3, with over 20% of the world’s crypto assets secured through our Ledger devices. With our headquarters in Paris, and offices in Vierzon, Grenoble, Montpellier, London, Portland, Geneva, Zurich and Central Singapore, we have a team of around 600 professionals developing a variety of products and services to enable individuals and companies to securely buy, store, swap, grow and manage crypto assets – including the Ledger hardware wallets line with more than 7.5 millions units already sold in 200 countries.

Internship duration: 4-6 months

The team

The Donjon is the team in charge of the security of all the products built at Ledger. As part of that role, we closely track the state of the art of the whole spectrum of attack techniques, and strive to push its boundaries.

We are looking for a Hardware Security Researcher intern to work in the lab on Integrated Circuits reverse engineering, from sample preparation (decapping and delayering) to imaging using a Scanning Electron Microscope. The techniques and methodology you will help develop will enable novel attacks on security sensitive targets, and allow to form a precise, anchored understanding of how to best thwart them.

What you'll be doing:

• Research cutting-edge offensive security techniques.

• Develop reverse engineering techniques and tools for Integrated Circuits manufactured on modern process nodes.

• Develop attacks for the chips you studied based on reverse engineered information.

• Formalize and generalize the attacks you find, and propose systematic ways to mitigate them or altogether render them impossible.

• If time permits, submit your findings for publication in academic journals or specialised conferences.

What we're looking for:

• Experience with programming in Python or Rust.

• Basic understanding of (or strong curiosity towards) semiconductor devices and Integrated Circuits stack up and layout.

• Interest in working in a hands-on, experimental lab environment.

• Ability to formalize your work and shape concepts at the relevant abstraction level.

• Ability to develop and document methods, standards, and guidelines.

• Ability to clearly articulate and communicate your ideas, in written and spoken English.

At Ledger, we are dedicated to continually investing in our employees which is why we offer more than just salaries; we provide comprehensive compensation packages that include a wide range of benefits. Here are some of the benefits you can look forward to:

• Social: Frequent social events, snacks and drinks

• Transportation allowance: Ledger offers a commuter allowance to contribute to your preferred means of transportation.

• Lunch vouchers: Ledger offers a meal allowance with Swile

• Vacation: 1 day off for every full month of work, in addition to national holidays

• Compensation: €1,500 a month

For regionally specific benefits, your Talent Acquisition contact will be able to provide you with more information.

We’re committed to building an inclusive hiring process. If you need any adjustments or accommodations, just let us know, we’ll do our best to support you.