Embedded Linux / Secure Boot Engineer (m/f/d) – U-Boot, FPGA SoC

Project overview

Freelance Embedded Linux / Secure Boot Engineer (m/f/d) – U-Boot, FPGA SoC

For an industrial technology client in Nürnberg, we are seeking an experienced Freelance Embedded Linux / Secure Boot Engineer to support a technical proof-of-concept project.

The objective is to investigate whether a secure boot chain can be implemented on an existing Intel/Altera Cyclone V or Cyclone 10 FPGA SoC without requiring hardware redesign.

The current platform uses U-Boot, Linux kernel and filesystem. The project supports preparations for the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA).

Responsibilities

Required Experience

Advantageous Skills

Note: VHDL/Verilog development is not required. The focus is Embedded Linux, U-Boot and Secure Boot.

• Analyse the existing FPGA SoC boot architecture and hardware security capabilities.
• Assess the feasibility of implementing Secure Boot / Verified Boot.
• Investigate securing U-Boot, the Linux kernel and filesystem.
• Develop and test a working proof of concept where feasible.
• Identify technical limitations and recommend next steps.
• Document findings, including whether hardware changes are necessary.
• Strong hands-on experience with Embedded Linux and U-Boot.
• Proven experience implementing Secure Boot / Verified Boot.
• Deep understanding of bootloaders, ARM-based SoCs and boot processes.
• Knowledge of cryptographic verification and Root of Trust concepts.
• Strong C/C++ and low-level debugging skills.
• Ability to independently deliver a technical proof of concept.
• Intel/Altera Cyclone V or Cyclone 10 SoC experience.
• U-Boot FIT signatures, Yocto or Buildroot.
• FPGA SoC architecture and hardware security.
• Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) or IEC 62443 knowledge.
• Industrial automation or embedded control systems.

Project details

Nürnberg, Germany (4–5 days onsite/week)

ASAP / by agreement

Initial proof of concept, potential extension

Contract: Freelance / B2B

Language: German preferred, English considered

• Start: ab sofort
• Duration: 6 Monate
• Remote: hybrid
• Location: Nürnberg, Deutschland, DE
• Rate: 70-70 EUR/h