Ajay Karthikeyan

Senior Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer | ISO/SAE 21434 | TARA | Cybersecurity V&V | UNECE R155/R156 | ECU Security| Cryptography | CSMS | CAN | OEM Project Experience | Automotive Ethernet | Cybersecurity Requirements

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

About

Senior Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer with 3.10+ years of experience in automotive cybersecurity, specializing in ISO/SAE 21434, UNECE R155/R156, Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment (TARA), cybersecurity case development, and cybersecurity work products throughout the Automotive V-Model lifecycle. Experienced in leading cybersecurity compliance activities for global OEM programs, managing cybersecurity engineering for 25+ ECUs across Body and Motion domains. Proven track record of delivering 15+ TARAs, improving cybersecurity requirements traceability by 30%, and developing end-to-end cybersecurity documentation to support audits, assessments, and customer reviews. Skilled in cybersecurity architecture, security controls implementation, verification and validation planning, secure diagnostics, CAN, Automotive Ethernet, and stakeholder management. Strong expertise in collaborating with OEMs, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Core Competencies * ISO/SAE 21434 Cybersecurity Engineering * UNECE R155 & UNECE R156 Compliance * Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment (TARA) * Cybersecurity Case Development * Cybersecurity Work Products * Security Requirements Engineering * Cybersecurity Verification & Validation * ECU Security Controls * Secure System Architecture * CAN & Automotive Ethernet Security * Secure Diagnostics * Automotive V-Model Development * Risk Assessment & Mitigation * OEM & Supplier Coordination * Technical Documentation & Audits * AUTOSAR Classic & Adaptive (Working Knowledge)

Experience

  • Tata Elxsi (Bengaluru, Karnataka, India · Hybrid)
    • Senior Engineer - Automotive Cyber Security
      Aug 2024 - Present · 1 yr 11 mos

      Senior Cybersecurity Engineer • Lead Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment (TARA) activities for automotive ECUs and vehicle systems in compliance with ISO/SAE 21434. • Develop, review, and approve Item Definitions, Cybersecurity Goals, Cybersecurity Concepts, Cybersecurity Requirements, and cybersecurity assessment reports. • Drive cybersecurity requirement derivation and ensure traceability from risk identification through implementation and validation. • Perform risk assessments, attack path analysis, threat scenario evaluation, and cybersecurity impact analysis at ECU and vehicle levels. • Provide technical leadership for implementation of cybersecurity controls including Secure Boot, secure communication, authentication, encryption, firmware integrity protection, and key management. • Collaborate with system, software, hardware, validation, and supplier teams to integrate cybersecurity requirements throughout the product lifecycle. • Review cybersecurity architecture and support mitigation strategies aligned with industry standards and customer requirements. • Lead cybersecurity compliance assessments and support audits aligned with ISO/SAE 21434, UNECE R155/R156, and Cybersecurity Management System (CSMS) requirements. • Support cybersecurity verification and validation activities, review test evidence, and track closure of cybersecurity findings. • Mentor team members, coordinate with stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement of cybersecurity engineering processes.

    • Cyber Security Engineer
      Aug 2022 - Aug 2024 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      • Performed Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment (TARA) activities in accordance with ISO/SAE 21434 for automotive ECUs and vehicle functions. • Developed and reviewed cybersecurity work products including Item Definitions, TARA reports, Cybersecurity Goals, and Cybersecurity Requirements. • Supported cybersecurity concept development and requirement derivation to address identified threats and risks. • Contributed to the implementation and assessment of security mechanisms such as Secure Boot, firmware protection, secure communication, and interface security. • Collaborated with system, software, hardware, and supplier teams to ensure cybersecurity compliance throughout the product development lifecycle. • Participated in cybersecurity verification and validation activities, compliance assessments, and security reviews. • Supported cybersecurity documentation, audit activities, and compliance with ISO/SAE 21434 and UNECE R155 requirements.

  • Research Executive at Draup
    Apr 2021 - Jun 2021 · 3 mos

    Supported and contributed to consulting assignments through: • Conducted primary and secondary research to gather, validate, and synthesize business and technical information. • Performed data interpretation and analytical assessments to identify trends, insights, and support decision-making. • Assisted in data analysis and preparation of structured findings for project deliverables. • Prepared reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate analysis outcomes and recommendations. • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to support project execution and stakeholder requirements.