Sr. Principal Engineer, IO / Interface Expert

Job Title

Sr. Principal Engineer, IO / Interface Expert

Role Summary

Lead I/O and interface IP design for automotive, industrial, and SoC products. Own selection, definition, integration, and validation of I/O interfaces across SoC platforms and collaborate with SoC, board, and customer teams.

Provide technical leadership, drive roadmap and innovation, and mentor junior engineers.

Experience Level

Senior-level — minimum 15+ years of experience in I/O/interface design and layout.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include technical leadership across interface design, system-level integration, and post-silicon validation:

• Lead selection, design, and integration of I/O and interfaces (GPIO, I2C/I3C, DDR, CAN, Ethernet, LVDS, MIPI, USB, PCIe, etc.).
• Define interface specifications, timing budgets, signal integrity and power requirements; contribute to datasheets and reference manuals.
• Drive roadmap and innovate to address interface standard trends and technology-node gaps.
• Collaborate with SoC design, board/system teams, foundry, and customers on system-level issues (power sequencing, reliability, low-power design).
• Define validation, characterization, and compliance requirements; support post-silicon bring-up and DFT architecture.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to engineering teams.
• Support customer and partner technical inquiries and issue resolution.
• Perform work in a safe and responsible manner and support Environmental, Health, Safety & Security programs.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience:

• 15+ years designing I/O interfaces with hands-on design and layout experience at advanced technology nodes.
• Deep knowledge of high-speed and low-speed interfaces, low-power techniques, ESD and high-voltage design, and meeting power/performance/area targets.
• Practical understanding of signal and power integrity, package/PCB considerations, and firmware interaction with I/O subsystems.
• Familiarity with EDA and simulation tools such as Cadence, Synopsys, Keysight, and Ansys.
• Strong analytical and debugging skills; familiarity with lab equipment is highly desirable.
• Excellent documentation and communication skills; able to produce clear requirements and architecture documents.
• Proven ability to work in global, cross-disciplinary teams and engage directly with customers and partners.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience applying ISO 26262 or IEC 61508 safety standards to semiconductor IP and SoC development.
• Contributions to interface standards (JEDEC, MIPI) or board standards (e.g., SGET).

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

About the Company

Company: GlobalFoundries

Headquarters: Saratoga Springs, New York, USA

GlobalFoundries is a leading contract manufacturer for the global semiconductor industry, with facilities in multiple countries, including the USA. The company develops a broad portfolio of semiconductor technologies and employs around 13,000 people worldwide. GlobalFoundries focuses on enhancing competitiveness in specialized application solutions and fostering innovation in mobile communications, consumer electronics, and automotive applications.