SoC Architect

Job Title

SoC Architect

Role Summary

Lead architecture, research, and delivery of system IP and platform security for next-generation high-performance datacenter and networking SoCs. Work with product management, product architects, engineering teams, and customers to define features and drive implementations of system-level IP such as IOMMU, interrupt controllers, and memory controllers.

Base pay range (U.S.): $254,340–$310,860 (USD, yearly).

Experience Level

Senior — 10+ years of SoC architecture experience; at least 5+ years participating in engineering teams that deliver hardware products.

Responsibilities

Contribute to system architecture, security, and customer-facing activities across product definition and delivery.

• Define features and system-level architectures for system IP (e.g., IOMMU, interrupt controllers, memory controllers).
• Specify platform security requirements and design associated security features.
• Collaborate with Product Management and Product Architects to produce architecture and product specifications.
• Design and run experiments for architecture and micro-architecture research and performance analysis.
• Guide and coordinate with design teams to implement and deliver system IP.
• Engage directly with customers to capture use cases and resolve technical concerns.
• Participate in relevant industry and standards groups (e.g., RVIA SIG/TG/HC) related to system architecture.

Requirements

Core technical skills and practical delivery experience required; education is listed separately below.

• Must-have: 10+ years of SoC architecture experience and 5+ years involved in engineering teams that deliver hardware products.
• Must-have: Experience with SoC design flow including specification definition, microarchitecture design, and performance modeling.
• Must-have: Strong knowledge of CPU architectures, power management, and SoC design.
• Must-have: Deep understanding of platform hardware, operating systems, device drivers, and firmware interactions.
• Nice-to-have: Direct experience with IOMMU, interrupt controllers, memory controllers, datacenter/networking SoCs, platform security features, and participation in RISC-V ecosystem activities.

Education Requirements

MS or PhD in Computer Science or Computer Architecture.

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.