MCU SoC Architect
NXP SemiconductorsJob Title
MCU SoC Architect
Role Summary
The MCU SoC Architect will define and drive the architecture of next-generation microcontroller System-on-Chips. The role leads architectural decisions across compute, memory, power, security, and peripherals to deliver scalable MCU products for industrial, automotive, and IoT markets.
The position works closely with SoC design teams, system and software architects, IP owners, firmware, and product planning to produce production-ready architectures that meet real-time, power, safety, and security constraints.
Experience Level
Senior-level — the posting expects proven, substantial experience in MCU/SoC architecture and related engineering disciplines; no specific years of experience were listed.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include defining architectures, guiding integration, and optimizing for performance, power, safety, and security.
- Lead definition and evolution of MCU SoC architectures aligned with product strategy and industry standards.
- Design scalable multi-core compute and microarchitecture solutions; optimize memory hierarchy (TCMs, SRAM), DMA, and interconnect bandwidth.
- Define and integrate security features including secure boot, root-of-trust, isolation, and crypto acceleration; ensure support for functional safety and lifecycle requirements.
- Collaborate with hardware, firmware, IP, and software teams to integrate processing, memory, power management, peripherals, analog IP (ADC, DAC, PLL, SERDES), and interconnect subsystems.
- Lead performance and power optimization strategies; balance frequency, voltage, memory, and power states to meet real-time and power envelope targets.
- Produce architecture specifications, best practices, and technical documentation to guide development teams.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and experience; preferred items listed separately.
- Must-have: Proven experience in MCU SoC architecture, microarchitecture, RTL design, and/or physical design.
- Deep understanding of microprocessor and microcontroller architectures: CPU cores, interconnects, memory management, bus protocols, and peripheral integration.
- Experience in low-power design and performance optimization; early performance and power estimation experience preferred.
- Familiarity with common interfaces and protocols such as Ethernet, USB, SPI, and I3C.
- Strong collaboration skills across silicon, hardware, firmware, and software teams.
- Nice-to-have: ARM Cortex-M architecture experience; background in power/performance modeling, HW/SW co-design, debugging; knowledge of functional safety and security standards; familiarity with Wi‑Fi integration and secure wireless communication.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field (as stated in the posting).
About the Company
Company: NXP Semiconductors
Headquarters: Nijmegen, Netherlands
NXP Semiconductors N.V. is a global semiconductor company that provides High Performance Mixed Signal and Standard Product solutions. With over 45,000 employees and operations in more than 35 countries, NXP is a leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, catering to automotive, industrial IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability, advancing a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world through technology.
