Confidential Computing Software Architect

Job Title

Confidential Computing Software Architect

Role Summary

SiFive is recruiting an experienced software architect to design and implement software and firmware for confidential computing on RISC-V platforms. The role collaborates with CPU, SoC platform, security, and software architects and engineers to develop platform security features and standards.

Experience Level

Mid-level to senior (experienced). The posting requests prior experience in confidential computing but does not specify years of experience.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include technical leadership, cross-team integration, and standards engagement.

• Plan and implement system software and firmware for confidential compute workloads on RISC-V and SiFive platforms.
• Design and specify platform security features in collaboration with CPU, SoC, security, and software teams.
• Write, review, and maintain hardware and software specifications.
• Engage with customers and partners to define security requirements and validate solutions.
• Represent SiFive in standards bodies and industry groups (e.g., RISC-V International, RISE) to influence platform security direction.
• Address virtualization, hypervisor, and Linux integration issues relevant to confidential computing.

Requirements

Must-have skills and experience.

• Experience implementing system software for confidential compute workloads.
• Familiarity with confidential compute approaches on Intel, AMD, and ARM platforms.
• Knowledge of peripheral security and integrity standards, including PCI IDE, TDISP, and DMTF SPDM.
• Experience with hypervisors and virtualization issues, particularly on Linux.
• Familiarity with trusted execution environments (TEEs).
• Strong software engineering background and proficiency in C.
• Experience writing and reviewing hardware and software specifications.

Nice-to-have:

• Familiarity with the RISC-V architecture.
• Experience with language-based or formal verification approaches (Rust, Ada SPARK, Frama-C).
• Knowledge of mobile device security or common cryptographic algorithms and public-key cryptography.
• Awareness of lightweight userspace sandboxing ISA extensions and microarchitectural side-channel mitigations.
• Experience working directly with CPU and RTL engineers and with standards groups.

Education Requirements

Not specified.

About the Company

Company: SiFive

Headquarters: San Mateo, California, United States

SiFive is a pioneering company in the RISC-V ecosystem, focused on transforming the future of computing by delivering high-performance, data-intensive RISC-V solutions. Their compute platforms empower leading technology firms to innovate across various markets, including AI, machine learning, and automotive sectors. SiFive is recognized for its commitment to ongoing innovation and fostering collaboration among talented teams, impacting lives by enabling advanced chip design.