Network Platform Architect

Job Title

Network Platform Architect

Role Summary

The Network Platform Architect defines and owns adapter/card platform architecture for IPU/DPU/NIC products, driving system-level integration across SoC, board, firmware/software, OEM/ODM, and operations. The role ensures silicon capabilities translate into deployable, serviceable, and scalable adapter solutions by producing architecture artifacts, closing platform requirements, and leading cross-functional reviews.

This role partners with silicon, board, FW/SW, validation, mechanical/thermal, manufacturing, and product teams to align platform tradeoffs with customer and data center operational needs.

Experience Level

Senior — requires 8+ years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include defining adapter-level architecture, platform manageability, thermal/power constraints, and driving cross-functional alignment to production-ready designs.

• Define adapter card architecture for IPU-based NIC products: form factor, I/O topology, and feature partitioning between SoC and board.
• Own board-level architecture decisions: PCIe connectivity, retimer/redriver strategy, clocking/reset, and sideband topologies (SPI/I2C/SMBus/USB).
• Specify secure boot/update/debug hooks and platform integration requirements for OEM/ODM variants.
• Author and maintain platform architecture artifacts: adapter specs, block diagrams, interface and bring-up requirements, and OEM integration guides.
• Define manageability and serviceability interconnects and minimum viable feature sets, including management/data-plane separation and telemetry exposure.
• Establish card power targets, power states, throttling/derating assumptions, cooling assumptions, and coordinate with thermal/mechanical engineering to close feasibility.
• Define platform reliability and serviceability expectations: sensor placement, diagnostics/debug hooks, fault containment, and service workflows.
• Lead cross-functional architecture reviews and partner with product/program leadership to set milestones, gating criteria, and OEM/customer readiness.

Requirements

List separates must-have core qualifications from preferred skills.

• Must have: 8+ years experience in NIC/adapter platform architecture, server platform architecture, SoC-to-board integration, or high-speed I/O platform design.
• Must have: Demonstrated experience defining adapter/card architectures that balance electrical, thermal, mechanical, cost, and manufacturability constraints.
• Must have: Strong understanding of platform manageability concepts and sideband integration requirements across OEM environments.
• Must have: Experience defining and closing thermal and power envelopes for add-in cards or tightly constrained platforms, and coordinating with thermal/mechanical validation.
• Must have: Proven ability to drive cross-functional alignment and produce executable architecture specifications.
• Nice to have: Experience with hyperscale/OEM deployment constraints for adapter cards (serviceability, telemetry, fleet operations).
• Nice to have: Expertise in high-speed I/O and Ethernet NIC platforms, signal integrity tradeoffs, and system bring-up.
• Nice to have: Prior leadership owning platform readiness across multiple SKUs or OEM variants and experience translating requirements into phased implementation plans.
• Nice to have: Strong communication skills and proven problem-solving focused on scalable solutions.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Network Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience is acceptable.

About the Company

Company: Intel Corporation

Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, USA

Intel Corporation is a leading multinational technology company known for its innovative semiconductor solutions, including microprocessors, artificial intelligence accelerators, and memory products. Headquartered in the United States, Intel focuses on cutting-edge technology and a collaborative working environment, driving advancements in semiconductor manufacturing to meet global demands. The company emphasizes professional development and aims to shape the future of technology through groundbreaking designs.