Vrushali Sawant - PhD Candidate

Profile

Embedded Software Engineer with 5 years of experience in automotive cybersecurity, secure bootloader development, AUTOSAR, and ECU-level firmware security across SAF-Holland (Haldex) and Tata Consultancy Services. Seeking to pursue a PhD in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) Security, with research interests in firmware security, vulnerability analysis, secure update mechanisms, and safety-critical embedded systems.

Experience

Embedded Software Engineer

SAF-HOLLAND

June 2025 – Present

Enhanced software update mechanisms for safety-critical ECUs using ECDSA verification.
Improved SUMS portal for generation of secure and updatable application images.
Worked on Renesas F1K MCU for EBS and CAN Hub secure bootloader behavior.
Developed bootloader firmware, flash drivers, memory mapping, and secure update interfaces.
Participated in TARA discussions aligned with ISO 21434.
Collaborated with cybersecurity and platform teams for secure firmware deployment.

Technical Lead

KPIT Technologies

Jan 2025 – June 2025

Introduced Adaptive AUTOSAR technology.
Provided cybersecurity implementation training for Stellantis project.

Software Developer

Tata Consultancy Services

Jan 2021 – Jan 2025

Worked on award-winning Camera Monitoring System (Tata InnoVista 2025).
Integrated CycurHSM and developed middleware for secure automotive systems.
Implemented Secure Boot, Secure Diagnostics, Security Access & Token Validation.
Led requirement analysis, resource planning, and client communication.
Owned diagnostics and AUTOSAR modules for VOLVO CMS production programs.
Developed SHE-based security architecture for PACCAR platforms.

Skills & Abilities

Languages: Embedded C, C, C++, Python

Cybersecurity: Secure Boot, Secure Diagnostics, HSM, TARA, ISO 21434

AUTOSAR Tools: DaVinci, GENy, EB Tresos

Controllers: Renesas RH850, Renesas P1MC, Infineon TC23x

Diagnostics: UDS, DIDs, DTCs

Tools: CANoe, WinIDEA, TestIDEA

Version Control: Git, Jenkins, JIRA, DOORS

Embedded Software Engineer & PhD Aspirant

Profile

Experience

Education

Skills & Abilities

Research Interests

Achievements