Director, Hardware Engineering

Inspire Semiconductor • Austin, TX

16h • Hybrid

About The Position

InspireSemi is a company revolutionizing high-performance computing by developing groundbreaking architecture that integrates thousands of 64-bit CPU cores onto a single chip with seamless connectivity. The company's mission is to enhance the accessibility, energy efficiency, and developer usability of high-performance computing. As a hypergrowth startup, InspireSemi offers a pioneering environment where employees can be part of the leadership team shaping the future of computing, with opportunities to build, scale, and mentor teams. The Director of Hardware Engineering will be a key leader in this mission, responsible for overseeing the entire silicon development organization, from initial architecture and RTL design through physical implementation, DFT, and post-silicon bring-up.

Requirements

• 15+ years in semiconductor engineering, with 8+ years in leadership roles managing complex SoC or CPU projects.
• Proven track record leading development cycles for bleeding-edge silicon, specifically at 5nm or below technology nodes.
• A Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering.
• Deep expertise in the full Netlist-to-GDSII flow, including high-speed interconnects, memory hierarchies, and power delivery.
• Proven history of leading multiple successful tape-outs on advanced FinFET nodes.
• Ability to balance technical perfection with time-to-market pressures and budgetary constraints.
• A strong reputation in the silicon industry with the ability to attract top-tier talent and negotiate with global partners.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with large-scale mesh interconnects or many-core architectures.
• Background in advanced packaging (2.5D/3D IC, Chiplets).
• Direct experience with RISC-V ISA implementation at scale.
• A PhD is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Silicon Roadmap: Own the hardware execution strategy. Make critical decisions on process node selection, third-party IP integration, and package design.
• Team Scaling & Mentorship: Recruit and lead a world class team.
• Hardware-Software Relationship: Partner with the Director of Software to ensure the hardware architecture is optimized for modern HPC workloads and compiler efficiency.
• Execution Excellence: Drive the methodology for multi-site design synchronization, ensuring top-tier verification coverage and first-pass silicon success.
• Vendor & Foundry Management: Manage high-level relationships with foundries, EDA vendors, and IP providers to ensure favorable terms and support.
• Post-Silicon Leadership: Oversee the transition from GDSII to silicon bring-up, working with yield and test engineering to drive high-volume manufacturing readiness.

Benefits

• Be a Pioneer: Get in on the ground floor of a hypergrowth startup! You'll be part of the leadership team shaping the future of computing.
• Scale the Vision: You will have the opportunity to build, scale, and mentor a team.
• Rewarding Compensation: We offer a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and significant equity.
• Flexibility: Benefit from a hybrid work model and flexible time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director