CPU Architect / Design Engineer

Job Title

CPU Architect / Design Engineer

Role Summary

Design and deliver next-generation, memory-safe CPU architectures for secure semiconductors used in confidential computing. You will join the Hardware Engineering team and drive architecture, RTL design, and performance verification from concept to silicon.

This is a hybrid role based in SECQAI's London or Bristol offices and involves cross-disciplinary collaboration with software, SoC, verification, security and R&D teams.

Experience Level

Mid-level — typically 5+ years of relevant CPU design experience.

Responsibilities

Deliver end-to-end CPU architecture and implementation work, collaborate across teams, and support silicon bring-up and documentation.

• Architect and define memory-safe, high-performance CPU designs.
• Create high-level models, circuit specifications, RTL, and system simulations.
• Undertake RTL development, synthesis, place-and-route considerations, timing and power analysis, and performance verification.
• Innovate and evaluate architectural features such as speculative execution, out-of-order pipelines, branch prediction, and custom ISA extensions.
• Balance trade-offs between architectural complexity, power, and performance.
• Collaborate with software, SoC, verification, security and R&D teams to optimize designs.
• Contribute to roadmap planning, design reviews, and silicon bring-up activities.
• Write and review detailed technical documentation for designs and verification results.
• Occasional travel to customers and partners may be required.
• Maintain confidentiality and high standards of engineering integrity.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience to perform the role.

• 5+ years of relevant CPU design experience; proven contribution to high-performance CPU architecture or implementation.
• Hands-on experience with RTL development and CPU verification methodologies.
• Familiarity with industry-standard EDA and design toolflows (examples: Cadence, Synopsys, OpenROAD).
• Experience modeling and evaluating timing, power, synthesis, and P&R trade-offs.
• Strong problem-solving skills, self-starter attitude, and ability to take concepts to production.
• Effective collaborator with experience working in cross-functional engineering teams.
• High standards for technical correctness and implementation quality.

Desirable:

• Experience with RISC-V and CHERI ISA extensions.
• Track record of taking a design from concept through to tape-out.
• Familiarity with secure systems, relevant security standards, or confidential computing platforms.

Education Requirements

B.Eng./B.Sc., M.Eng./M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a related technical field — or equivalent industry experience.

About the Company

Company: SECQAI

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

SECQAI develops ultra-secure hardware and software for confidential computing, producing military-grade secure semiconductors and integrated solutions for governments and businesses. The company focuses on secure processor and SoC designs combining semiconductor, quantum, and AI technologies.