Senior Principal Computer Architect AI/ML

Job Title

Senior Principal Computer Architect AI/ML

Role Summary

Senior architect for in-house Neural Processor Unit (NPU) design. Responsible for researching, developing, and advancing AI accelerator IP for embedded products and ensuring hardware architectures meet product power, performance, and area constraints.

Hardware-focused role that requires close collaboration with software, compiler, SOC modeling, logic design, and verification teams across regions.

Experience Level

Senior — minimum 10 years of relevant industry experience.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Research and develop AI accelerator architectures and IP for embedded applications.
• Translate high-level PPA targets into realizable hardware architectures.
• Collaborate with software, compiler, SOC performance modeling, logic design, and verification teams located across regions.
• Provide technical direction for RTL design, hardware-software integration, and modeling (C++/Python).
• Track technical literature and industry/academic trends; represent the team in technical forums.
• Support rapid problem-solving as designs approach tape-out and participate in security-related tasks as required.

Requirements

Must-have skills and experience:

• 10+ years experience in computer/processor architecture or related fields.
• Proven track record designing highly parallel / SIMD / vector / matrix processing architectures.
• Strong RTL design, simulation, and verification experience.
• Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems and Python for modeling and automation.
• Experience with compilers or working closely with low-level and higher-level software teams.
• System-level understanding of AMBA protocols, memory controllers, and bus fabrics.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work reliably on security-sensitive tasks and follow security certification processes.

Nice-to-have:

• Basic knowledge of AI mathematical operations; deeper AI algorithm experience is beneficial.
• DSP knowledge (FFT, filters, convolution) is preferable.
• Experience with SOC performance modeling and cross-regional collaboration.

Education Requirements

Not specified.

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.