SoC Architect / Design Engineer

Job Title

SoC Architect / Design Engineer

Role Summary

Design and architect next-generation secure System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms, collaborating across hardware, software, verification and security teams. You'll define product requirements, evaluate architectural trade-offs, and support the path from micro-architecture through silicon bring-up.

Work within an early-stage, growth-oriented hardware engineering team focused on secure semiconductors for confidential computing; the role is hybrid with offices in London and Bristol.

Experience Level

Mid-level (5+ years of relevant SoC architecture and design experience).

Responsibilities

Primary duties include system architecture, design definition, integration of third-party IP, and supporting RTL-to-silicon delivery.

• Define SoC architectures from product requirements, application assumptions, and stakeholder needs.
• Propose and evaluate architectural features for cost, performance, power, and software usability.
• Collaborate with IP providers to integrate third-party IP and support custom silicon implementation.
• Support RTL development, design flows, and handoff to physical design, DFT, and GDS delivery.
• Work cross-functionally with software, CPU, verification, R&D and security teams to optimise designs.
• Contribute to roadmap planning, design reviews and silicon bring-up activities.
• Write and review detailed technical documentation for designs and specifications.
• Operate in a hybrid model across London and Bristol offices and travel to meet customers or partners when required.
• Maintain confidentiality and high standards of integrity in handling sensitive projects.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, experience and professional attributes.

• 5+ years of relevant SoC architecture, design or implementation experience in advanced technology nodes.
• Proven experience with multi-core subsystems, interconnects and memory hierarchies.
• Familiarity with industry-standard EDA and design tool flows (examples: Cadence, Synopsys, OpenROAD).
• Experience supporting RTL delivery and collaborating with physical design, DFT and verification teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills, self-starter mentality, and ability to take designs from concept to production.
• Effective collaborator across disciplines and strong technical communication skills.
• Commitment to confidentiality and secure development practices.

Desirable:

• Experience with RISC-V and CHERI ISAs.
• Track record of taking a design from concept through to tape-out.
• Knowledge of security standards relevant to secure systems and platforms.

Education Requirements

B.Eng / B.Sc., M.Eng / M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a related technical field — or equivalent industry experience (explicitly stated as acceptable).

About the Company

Company: SECQAI

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

SECQAI develops ultra-secure hardware and software for confidential computing, producing military-grade secure semiconductors and integrated solutions for governments and businesses. The company focuses on secure processor and SoC designs combining semiconductor, quantum, and AI technologies.