SoC Platform Architect - RISC-V

Job Title

SoC Platform Architect - RISC-V

Role Summary

Design and define scalable SoC platform architectures that leverage RISC-V for application processors and related platform technologies. Work with software, systems, design, product, and customer teams to translate product requirements into architecture, perform trade-offs, and deliver detailed architectural specifications for implementation.

Experience Level

Senior level. Typical candidates have 5+ years of SoC/IP architecture or related systems experience. Degree-based minima vary by qualification level (see Education Requirements).

Responsibilities

The role focuses on defining RISC-V-based SoC platforms and driving architecture through to implementation.

• Create highly scalable SoC architectures using RISC-V.
• Define and specify platform technologies (AIA, CBQRI, IOMMU, debug, security, etc.).
• Own SoC control subsystems such as boot, reset, timebase management, debug, and micro-controllers.
• Interpret product requirements and perform trade-off analyses to determine optimal solutions.
• Collaborate with architects, technical leads, hardware and software engineers across functions to integrate solutions.
• Produce detailed architectural specifications and support the design team during implementation.

Requirements

Key technical skills and experience required or strongly preferred.

• Must-have: Proven experience in RISC-V application processor platform architecture (AIA, CBQRI, IOMMU, debug/security).
• Must-have: Strong foundation in silicon design principles, architectural trade-offs, and ability to connect system-level and micro-architectural views.
• Must-have: Demonstrated technical contributions at SoC, subsystem, or large-IP level as an architect or micro-architect.
• Must-have: Experience using and developing analysis/modeling tools (functional/performance simulators, profilers).
• Must-have: Programming for modeling and automation (object-oriented C++ and/or Python preferred) and familiarity with software development best practices.
• Must-have: Excellent communication, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Nice-to-have: Experience in boot, timebase management, reset and debug architectures, system-level control (BMC, ECU), security architecture, heterogeneous compute, NoC/interconnect, memory systems, multi-die, cache hierarchies.
• Nice-to-have: Background with OS or RTOS (Linux, Android, Zephyr, FreeRTOS), AI/ML, high-speed I/O (USB, PCIe, CXL), external memory architectures, networking and connectivity, safety and reliability considerations.

Education Requirements

Degree requirements listed across the posting: Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Science, Electronic Engineering, or related technical fields. Degree-year guidance varies by degree: examples in the posting include Bachelor's with ~4–6+ years experience, Master's with ~3–5+ years, and PhD with ~2–4+ years (equivalent practical experience may be considered).

About the Company

Company: Qualcomm

Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States

Qualcomm is a global leader in semiconductor and telecommunications equipment, specializing in mobile technologies and innovations. Known for its Adreno GPUs, the company provides solutions enabling advancements in mobile gaming, AI, VR/AR, and autonomous driving. Qualcomm's cutting-edge technology and commitment to high-performance, power-efficient designs drive the evolution of mobile graphics and connectivity worldwide.