Senior Staff Engineer, SOC Architect and Hardware Engineering

Samsung Semiconductor • San Jose, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The SoC Architect will serve as a key technical leader, translating client requirements into an optimal SoC blueprint that achieves aggressive PPA (Power, Performance, Area) targets and driving its successful implementation. This role will be a critical leader who provides the technical blueprint that ultimately realizes our clients' business objectives and should have a deep understanding of the complexities of custom SoC development and the ability to leverage broad system knowledge to create innovative solutions.
Location: Daily onsite presence at our San Jose headquarters in alignment with our Flexible Work Policy with an average of 20% travel per month.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline and 10+ years of experience, or Master’s and 8+ years of experience.
• 5+ years experience in SoC Architecture or System Engineering (experience in custom ASIC/SoC projects is a plus)
• Deep understanding of Computer Architecture and SoC Design (including CPU, GPU, Accelerators, Caches, and Memory Systems).
• Expert knowledge and design experience with on-chip interconnects (e.g., AMBA AXI/CHI) and High-Speed Interface protocols.
• In-depth knowledge of Power Management and low-power design techniques.
• Experience with SoC-level Clock, Reset, and Power Domain architecture.
• Comprehensive understanding of the overall RTL design and SoC design flow (Implementation & Verification).
• Excellent problem-solving skills to independently identify, analyze, and resolve complex technical issues.
• Ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including hardware and software engineering teams, managements, and clients.
• Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python/Perl
• You’re inclusive, adapting your style to the situation and diverse global norms of our people.
• An avid learner, you approach challenges with curiosity and resilience, seeking data to help build understanding.
• You’re collaborative, building relationships, humbly offering support and openly welcoming approaches.
• Innovative and creative, you proactively explore new ideas and adapt quickly to change.

Responsibilities

• Customer Requirement Definition and Architecture Design: Analyze and define the functional, performance, and power requirements based on the client's end product and application (e.g., mobile, edge device, data center or physical AI).
• Conceive and specify the Top-Level SoC Architecture and Microarchitecture, including CPU/GPU/NPU cores, memory subsystem, Interconnect (Coherent/Non-Coherent Fabric), and high-speed I/O interfaces (e.g., PCIe, CXL).
• Architecture Exploration and Validation: Evaluate various architectural trade-offs and validate architectural decisions using performance and power modeling (C/C++, SystemC).
• Provide technical guidance on IP selection, integration, and system optimization, and define the Design for Debug/Test/Excellence (DFx) strategy.
• Technical Collaboration and Leadership: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (HW Design, Verification, Physical Design, Software) to ensure architectural specifications are accurately translated into the design and implementation phases.
• Identify and resolve technical risks throughout the project lifecycle, and lead technical communication with clients and

Benefits

• Give Back With a charitable giving match and frequent opportunities to get involved, we take an active role in supporting the community.
• Enjoy Time Away You’ll start with 4+ weeks of paid time off a year, plus holidays and sick leave, to rest and recharge.
• Care for Family Whatever family means to you, we want to support you along the way—including a stipend for fertility care or adoption, medical travel support, and virtual vet care for your fur babies.
• Prioritize Emotional Wellness With on-demand apps and free confidential therapy sessions, you’ll have support no matter where you are.
• Stay Fit Eating well and being active are important parts of a healthy life. Our onsite Café and gym, plus virtual classes, make it easier.
• Embrace Flexibility Benefits are best when you have the space to use them. That’s why we facilitate a flexible environment so you can find the right balance for you.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees