Principal Engineer, Architecture (USB Systems & IP)

Lattice Semiconductor • San Jose, CA

1d • $245,000

About The Position

Lattice Semiconductor is seeking an experienced Principal Engineer to join its Architecture team and provide technical leadership in defining next-generation USB solutions across FPGA, SoC FPGA, and system platforms. The role partners with architecture, silicon design, software, applications, product planning, customers, and ecosystem partners to develop USB-based solutions and influence product strategy from concept through deployment.

The successful candidate will bring deep USB protocol expertise and hands-on experience with USB devices, embedded firmware, software stacks, and controller architectures. The position also involves technical leadership, cross-functional collaboration, architectural analysis, system validation, standards engagement, and mentoring engineers.

Requirements

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 12 or more years of industry experience in semiconductor, embedded systems, FPGA, ASIC, or SoC development.
• Demonstrated technical leadership at the subsystem or system architecture level.
• Deep understanding of USB 2.0, USB 3.x SuperSpeed, USB Type-C, USB Power Delivery, USB hubs and bridges, and device, host, and OTG implementations.
• Hands-on experience developing USB-based applications and products.
• Experience implementing or integrating USB device, host, or dual-role solutions.
• Strong understanding of USB controller IP, including host, device, and dual-role controllers; USB PHY architectures; DMA and data movement architectures; and third-party USB IP offerings.
• Experience developing embedded firmware for USB-based systems and applications.
• Experience with USB boot loaders, firmware update mechanisms, device management, and enumeration flows.
• Experience developing reference software, middleware, BSPs, or USB application frameworks.
• Experience with USB application driver development, device drivers, kernel-level software, or system software integration.
• Strong understanding of embedded processors, RTOS environments, and firmware/software partitioning.
• Experience debugging complex hardware, firmware, and software interactions using protocol analyzers, logic analyzers, and software debugging tools.
• Ability to lead technical discussions across architecture, design, software, validation, and product organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Successful background and reference checks and satisfactory proof of the right to work in the United States are required.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with FPGA architectures and FPGA-based USB implementations.
• Experience with Linux USB subsystems, driver frameworks, and kernel development.
• Experience with Windows USB driver development and device certification processes.
• Knowledge of PCIe, Ethernet, MIPI, UART, SPI, I2C, or other common embedded interfaces.
• Experience with USB compliance testing and certification.
• Experience evaluating make-versus-buy decisions for third-party IP and ecosystem software.
• Understanding of secure boot, device authentication, firmware integrity, and trusted update mechanisms.
• Experience working directly with strategic customers and ecosystem partners.
• Prior participation in standards development organizations or industry consortiums.

Responsibilities

• Define architecture and technical requirements for future USB subsystem solutions across FPGA and SoC product families.
• Serve as a company-wide subject matter expert on USB technologies, including USB 2.0, USB 3.x, USB Type-C, USB Power Delivery, and related standards.
• Evaluate, select, and guide integration of third-party USB controller, PHY, and protocol IP solutions.
• Drive architecture studies, competitive analysis, and technology assessments related to USB connectivity, embedded systems, and customer applications.
• Collaborate with silicon design teams to define USB subsystem architectures, performance targets, configurability, and integration requirements.
• Work with firmware and software teams to define reference platforms, software architecture, and production-ready solutions.
• Partner with applications engineering and strategic customers to understand emerging requirements and translate them into product roadmap recommendations.
• Develop technical specifications, architectural proposals, white papers, and executive-level presentations.
• Contribute to system-level validation, interoperability testing, and compliance strategies.
• Mentor engineers across disciplines and provide technical guidance on complex USB-related challenges.
• Engage with standards organizations, ecosystem partners, and industry forums to support technology strategy.
• Provide technical leadership across multiple product generations and influence product and technology strategy through data-driven architectural analysis.
• Foster engineering excellence, drive stakeholder consensus with a focus on customer value and product differentiation, and independently lead complex initiatives with minimal supervision.
• Identify emerging technology trends and recommend strategic investments aligned with company objectives.

Benefits

• The role may be eligible for variable/incentive compensation and/or equity.
• A comprehensive, competitive benefits package may include healthcare and retirement plans and paid time off.

What This Job Offers

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