Director, Software Engineering

Inspire Semiconductor • Austin, TX

6h • Hybrid

About The Position

At InspireSemi, we're revolutionizing high-performance computing by developing groundbreaking architecture that packs thousands of 64-bit CPU cores onto a single chip, aiming to make HPC more accessible, energy-efficient, and easier for developers. The company is seeking a Director of Software Engineering to be the primary architect of its software strategy and developer ecosystem. This high-impact role involves leading the evolution of the full software stack, encompassing firmware, low-level drivers, world-class compilers, and high-level programming models. The successful candidate will be part of the senior leadership team, shaping the future of computing and defining the developer experience for a disruptive technology, with the opportunity to build, scale, and mentor a team.

Requirements

• 15+ years in software engineering, with 8+ years in progressive leadership roles (e.g., Senior Manager or Director) within the semiconductor, HPC, or cloud infrastructure space.
• Extensive experience in deep embedded software development and bare metal coding, ensuring hardware-software parity at the foundational level.
• Robust background in Linux systems programming, including kernel-level optimizations, driver development, and distribution management.
• Ability to bridge the gap between high-level application requirements and constrained, low-level execution environments.
• A Bachelor’s or Master’s (preferred) degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• A strong background in C/C++, LLVM/GCC toolchains, and system-level software.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale software projects from initial concept through silicon bring-up to successful customer deployment.
• Deep understanding of many-core architectures, distributed systems, and the interplay between hardware and software performance.
• Exceptional ability to articulate complex technical visions to board members, customers, and the engineering team alike.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience scaling a software team in a Series B or later startup environment.
• Active leadership in RISC-V International or similar industry bodies.
• Experience with software-defined hardware and virtual platforms for pre-silicon development.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the multi-year software roadmap. Align software deliverables with the company’s commercial goals and product release cycles.
• Build and scale a multi-disciplinary software organization. Establish a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous mentorship.
• Serve as the bridge between Software and Silicon. Partner with SoC architects to influence hardware design for maximum software programmability and performance.
• Represent InspireSemi in the global RISC-V and HPC communities. Drive the adoption of our architecture by influencing industry standards and open-source contributions.
• Establish departmental standards for software lifecycle management, including robust CI/CD for hardware-in-the-loop, security audits, and technical debt management.
• Manage the software engineering budget, tool licensing, and third-party vendor relationships to ensure the team has the resources to win.

Benefits

• Be a Pioneer: Get in on the ground floor of a hypergrowth startup! You'll be part of the senior leadership team shaping the future of computing.
• Make an Impact: Your leadership will define the developer experience for a disruptive technology.
• 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
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees