Datacenter System Software Architect

Job Title

Datacenter System Software Architect

Role Summary

Design and implement high-performance RISC-V Linux systems for datacenter and hyperscaler deployments. Join SiFive's Software Architecture group to define system and software architecture, author architecture specifications, and drive implementation across hardware and software teams.

Experience Level

Mid-level (no specific years stated).

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include:

• Architect systems and system software for hyperscaler RISC-V deployments, collaborating closely with hardware architects.
• Engage customers and partners to gather functional and performance requirements and validate key workloads.
• Guide development of software and firmware stacks: platform controller firmware, platform firmware, hypervisors, Linux, and application stacks.
• Author and review hardware and software architecture specifications; plan and estimate implementation work.
• Participate in RISC-V standards and ecosystem engagement to influence server-related development.
• Work with benchmarking and optimization teams to identify and remove performance bottlenecks.
• Drive adoption and integration of next-generation server extension cards (CXL, RDMA, networking/storage offload, accelerators).
• Help port and optimize hyperscaler virtualization and AI stacks to RISC-V.

Requirements

Must-have:

• Experience defining requirements for x86 or ARM servers for hyperscaler use cases.
• Familiarity with server requirements: RAS, telemetry, manageability, and I/O offloading.
• Knowledge of key datacenter workloads: distributed databases, AI/ML training & inference, agentic AI, and high-throughput microservices.
• Experience developing low-level C code for multiprocessor, multithreaded operating systems (e.g., Linux kernel, BSD kernels, or other HLOS).
• Understanding of CPU and system-level computer architecture and VLSI design concepts and their software impacts.
• Experience writing and reviewing architecture specifications for hardware and software.
• Experience with platform ecosystems and firmware standards: PCIe, Device Tree, ACPI, and UEFI.
• Experience with the RISC-V ISA and RISC-V software ecosystem and with datacenter Linux distributions (Debian, RHEL, SLES).
• Strong communication and project leadership skills, including roadmaps, work breakdowns, estimates, and project drive.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience working with RTL engineers and RTL product lifecycles.
• Experience with C++ or Rust.
• Experience with production AI inference and training systems.
• Experience working in global teams and cross-cultural communication.

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.