SoC Architect

Role Overview

We’re seeking a seasoned System-on-Chip (SoC) Architect to help define, design, and deliver high-performance, low-power chip architectures optimized for AI workloads, secure data handling, and real-time inference. You will lead architectural planning, collaborate across software and hardware teams, and influence future hardware capabilities that will power mission-critical infrastructure.

This is a highly technical and strategic role that requires deep understanding of SoC components, hardware/software integration, and AI compute design principles.

Responsibilities

• Architecture Definition: Own the end-to-end architecture of custom SoCs, with a focus on compute, memory, interconnects, and power/performance tradeoffs
• AI Optimization: Architect for AI/ML acceleration — including support for custom inference engines, secure enclaves, and multi-core compute systems
• Hardware-Software Co-Design: Work closely with system software and ML teams to align hardware capabilities with application demands
• Performance Modeling & Simulation: Lead architectural modeling, benchmarking, and simulation for early-stage design decisions
• Security & Compliance: Integrate advanced security features (TPM, secure boot, encryption) for compliance with HIPAA and regulated environments
• Vendor Engagement: Collaborate with fabrication partners, IP providers, and EDA toolchains for efficient and cost-effective execution
• Roadmapping: Define RISA Labs’ long-term silicon and embedded systems roadmap in collaboration with engineering leadership

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in SoC architecture, chip design, or embedded systems engineering
• Proven experience designing silicon optimized for AI, ML, or data processing workloads
• Deep knowledge of microarchitecture (CPUs, GPUs, NPU/TPUs), memory hierarchies, I/O interfaces, and SoC buses
• Experience with hardware modeling and simulation tools (SystemC, Verilog, VHDL, or related)
• Strong understanding of security protocols, power optimization, and silicon validation processes
• Comfortable working at the intersection of hardware, systems software, and product requirements
• Excellent communication skills and experience working cross-functionally with software and product teams
• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field; PhD preferred for senior/principal roles