Role Summary

Test and validate smart meter/NIC hardware, firmware, and end-to-end AMI communication (Meter–NIC–HES–MDMS) across multiple OEMs for security vulnerabilities, protocol compliance, and cyber-attack resistance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform DLMS/COSEM protocol testing and firmware validation for meters/NICs from different OEMs
  • Conduct hardware security testing — PCB analysis, JTAG/SWD debugging, firmware extraction
  • Perform firmware reverse engineering and static/dynamic analysis to identify vulnerabilities
  • Test RF/wireless and network communication for security gaps (MITM, replay, packet injection, protocol fuzzing)
  • Validate FOTA/OTA update security, secure boot, encryption, and authentication mechanisms
  • Assess AMI communication channels (RF, cellular, PLC, Ethernet, optical) for interception, tampering, and data-integrity risks
  • Test HES–meter and HES–MDMS communication/interfaces for security gaps and unauthorized access points
  • Conduct vulnerability assessment & penetration testing (VAPT) on meter, HES, and MDMS interfaces
  • Recommend and implement security controls/fixes to close identified gaps across meter, communication, and HES/MDMS layers
  • Analyse logs, traces, and firmware behaviour to identify defects and perform root cause analysis (RCA)
  • Document test cases, VAPT findings, and OEM-wise security assessment reports
  • Support compliance validation against IS 13779, IS 16444, CBIP-325, IEC 62056, IS 15959

Required Skills

  • Hands-on experience with DLMS/COSEM testing (Gurux, Kalkitech, BCS, CMRI etc.)
  • Embedded firmware validation, firmware flashing (Renesas or similar), FOTA/OTA testing
  • Exposure to firmware reverse engineering tools (Ghidra, Binwalk etc.)
  • Familiarity with penetration testing/vulnerability tools (Kali Linux, Burp Suite, Wireshark, Nmap, Nessus etc.)
  • Understanding of hardware security (JTAG/SWD, chip-off etc.) and RF/SDR-based communication testing
  • Knowledge of AMI communication technologies (RF, cellular, PLC, Ethernet, optical etc.) and associated security risks
  • Understanding of HES/MDMS architecture, APIs, and interface security
  • Knowledge of Scripting, encryption, authentication, and secure boot concepts

Required Skills

Binwalk DLMS Ghidra