Principal SoC Circuit Architect

Job Title

Principal SoC Circuit Architect

Role Summary

The Principal SoC Circuit Architect defines SoC-level circuit architecture for AI SoCs, focusing on high-speed I/O PHYs, clocking, power delivery, memory interfaces, and signal/power integrity. The role partners with package, system, and memory teams to ensure manufacturability, quality, and scale for cloud hardware.

Position is hybrid (3 days/week in-office) and may require travel under 25%.

Experience Level

Senior-level. See Education Requirements for degree/experience equivalence; preferred candidates typically have a decade or more of relevant SoC architecture and design experience.

Responsibilities

Define and validate SoC-level circuit and subsystem solutions and coordinate with cross-functional teams.

• Define SoC-level specifications for high-speed I/O PHYs (examples: Ethernet, HBM4/4E/5, D2D).
• Lead and supervise signal integrity (SI) and power integrity (PI) analyses and quality control.
• Define and validate end-to-end power delivery architectures for the SoC and platform.
• Define REFCLK and digital clocking strategy; establish clocking methodology and run quality simulations.
• Participate in SoC technology selection and collaborate with package and system design teams.
• Define SoC-level memory interfaces and partner with custom memory IP teams on new memory-related IP.

Requirements

Technical must-haves and compliance expectations. Degree and formal experience equivalence are summarized under Education Requirements.

• Proven experience in PLL and clocking solutions for AI SoCs.
• Practical experience with high-speed I/O PHY design and signal integrity practices.
• Familiarity with package/substrate signal and power delivery issues and their impact on SoC design.
• Knowledge of PCB design considerations related to power delivery for high-performance SoCs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-disciplinary teams and communicate technical decisions to system, package, and memory partners.
• Ability to meet Microsoft security screening requirements, including the Microsoft Cloud Background Check.
• Must meet export-control eligibility requirements and provide proof of citizenship or protected status as required.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with HBM4/4E/5, D2D interfaces, custom memory IP definition, and large-scale cloud hardware deployment.

Education Requirements

Doctorate (PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field + 3+ years technical engineering experience, OR Master's degree in the same fields + 6+ years, OR Bachelor's degree in the same fields + 8+ years, OR equivalent practical experience. Preferred: MSEE with 15+ years or PhD with 12+ years of SoC-level circuit architecture and design experience.

About the Company

Company: Microsoft

Headquarters: Redmond, Washington, United States

Microsoft is a global technology company that develops and sells software, services, devices, and solutions. Known for its Windows operating system, Office suite, and Azure cloud platform, Microsoft aims to empower individuals and organizations around the world to achieve more. The company fosters a culture of innovation and inclusion, focusing on delivering trusted experiences to customers and partners globally.