Systems Solutions Architect

Job Title

Systems Solutions Architect

Role Summary

The Systems Solutions Architect defines compute-centric SoC subsystems for Physical AI, optimizing power, performance, area, and software flexibility. The role sets technical vision and drives architecture across hardware implementation, software engineering, and performance modeling teams to deliver production Physical AI, computer vision, and audio systems.

Experience Level

Senior - requires 12+ years in architectural or systems engineering roles.

Responsibilities

Lead system architecture, integration, and validation for AI-focused SoC subsystems and their software stacks.

• Define and own system architecture for compute, memory, interconnects, interfaces and the corresponding software stack (drivers, HAL, runtimes, middleware).
• Architect solutions using the SSG IP portfolio, including DSPs, CPUs, NPUs, accelerators, interface IP, and memory controllers.
• Partner with performance modeling teams to build cycle-accurate or TLM simulations and identify bottlenecks before silicon commitment.
• Hand off clear architectural specifications to RTL/hardware and software/firmware teams and act as the bridge between them.
• Validate system integration to ensure the software stack extracts maximum hardware performance.
• Build scalable proof-of-concept and reference designs demonstrating integrated IP capabilities.
• Serve as technical liaison to influence IP roadmaps based on emerging Physical AI trends (robotics, autonomous systems, edge transformers).

Requirements

Must-have qualifications are listed first; followed by desirable experience.

• Must-have: 12+ years in a leading architectural or systems engineering role with delivery from concept through production.
• Must-have: Proven track record designing integrated hardware-software solutions and specifying SoC subsystems for AI workloads.
• Must-have: Experience collaborating with or leading performance modeling using SystemC, TLM, or cycle-accurate simulators.
• Must-have: Experience in Physical AI (robotics or autonomous systems) delivering real-time imaging, radar, or advanced audio processing.
• Must-have: Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to travel up to 10% including internationally.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with Cadence SSG IP (Tensilica DSPs/CPUs, Neo NPU, accelerators), boot/control/runtime requirements, security and safety considerations, and building PoC/reference designs.

Education Requirements

Not specified.

About the Company

Company: Cadence Design Systems

Headquarters: San Jose, California, USA

Cadence Design Systems is a global electronic design automation company that provides software, hardware, and intellectual property for designing advanced semiconductor chips. With over 25 years in the industry, Cadence is known for its innovative technology solutions and has been recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For. The company is dedicated to solving complex technical challenges in order to enable customers to create revolutionary products and experiences.