Location: Shanghai, China
Role Overview
We are seeking a Principal Engineer – Agentic AI Architect to lead the design and development of next-generation agentic AI systems integrated with FPGA/ASIC platforms.
This role sits at the intersection of:
Large Language Models (LLMs)
Agent frameworks & autonomous systems
Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
Hardware-aware AI system design (FPGA / ASIC / EDA)
You will define architecture, drive technical strategy, and build scalable AI systems that bridge software intelligence and hardware acceleration.
Key Responsibilities
AI Architecture & System Design
Design and implement agentic AI systems using LLMs, tools, and multi-agent orchestration
Architect RAG pipelines for enterprise-scale knowledge integration
Define end-to-end AI system architecture from data ingestion → reasoning → action
Agentic AI & LLM Development
Develop advanced workflows using:
tool-using agents
planning & reasoning agents
multi-agent collaboration frameworks
Evaluate and integrate leading LLMs (open-source and proprietary)
Optimize prompt engineering, memory, and reasoning capabilities
Hardware-Aware AI Optimization
Co-design AI systems with:
FPGA acceleration
ASIC platforms
heterogeneous compute (CPU/GPU/FPGA)
Explore LLM inference optimization on FPGA (quantization, compilation, partitioning)
Collaborate with hardware teams on EDA and system integration
Framework & Platform Development
Build internal platforms using
LangChain
LlamaIndex
custom agent orchestration framework
Develop reusable components for:
memory management
tool integration
knowledge retrieval
Technical Leadership
Lead architecture reviews and guide engineering teams
Mentor senior engineers and influence cross-functional teams
Drive innovation in AI + hardware convergence
What Makes This Role Unique
Opportunity to define agentic AI architecture for hardware-driven systems
Work at the convergence of:
AI reasoning systems
FPGA acceleration
next-generation computing platforms
High-impact role influencing future AI + semiconductor integration
Impact
You will help shape how AI agents interact with hardware, enabling:
intelligent system orchestration
real-time decision-making pipelines
scalable AI deployment on FPGA platforms
Summary
This role is ideal for a senior technical leader who can:
bridge LLM + Agentic AI + RAG with FPGA/ASIC system architecture
and drive innovation in next-generation AI systems.
Master’s or Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of experience in one or more of the following:
AI/ML systems
Distributed systems
Hardware–software co-design
Recognized expertise in AI/ Large Language Models (LLMs)
Deep understanding of:
LLM architectures and inference
RAG systems and vector databases
Agentic AI / autonomous agents
Hands-on experience building:
Production-grade LLM applications
Multi-step reasoning and orchestration workflows
Scalable and reliable AI systems in production
Strong background in:
FPGA / ASIC / EDA systems
Heterogeneous computing architectures
Familiarity with:
Hardware acceleration for AI workloads
Performance optimization across system stack
Programming:
Python
C++ (preferred)
Experience with:
Distributed systems design
APIs and microservices architecture
Cloud and/or edge AI deployment
Hands-on experience with:
LLM fine-tuning, quantization, and model distillation
On-device / edge AI deployment
Robotics, autonomous systems, or real-time AI pipelines
Knowledge of:
Compiler stacks (e.g., MLIR, TVM)
AI model optimization for FPGA platforms
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or master's degree
- 10+ years of experience in AI/ML systems, distributed systems, or hardware-software co-design
- Recognized expertise in AI and Large Language Models
- Deep understanding of LLM architectures and inference
- Deep understanding of RAG systems and vector databases
- Deep understanding of agentic AI and autonomous agents
- Experience building production-grade LLM applications
- Experience building multi-step reasoning and orchestration workflows
- Experience building scalable and reliable AI systems in production
- Strong background in FPGA, ASIC, and EDA systems
- Strong background in heterogeneous computing architectures
- Familiarity with hardware acceleration for AI workloads
- Familiarity with performance optimization across the system stack
- Python programming
- C++ programming
- Experience with distributed systems design
- Experience with APIs and microservices architecture
- Experience with cloud or edge AI deployment
- Hands-on experience with LLM fine-tuning, quantization, and model distillation
- Hands-on experience with on-device or edge AI deployment
- Hands-on experience with robotics, autonomous systems, or real-time AI pipelines
- Knowledge of compiler stacks such as MLIR or TVM
- Knowledge of AI model optimization for FPGA platforms
Altera (altera.com) Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Altera (altera.com) and has not been reviewed or approved by Altera (altera.com).
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Retirement Support — Feedback suggests retirement programs are robust, with offerings such as a 401(k) and a pension. This breadth supports long-term financial security.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Feedback suggests time-off policies are generous, including PTO, paid sick days, and paid holidays. Wellness initiatives like gym memberships further support balance.
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Parental & Family Support — Feedback suggests parental leave is generous. Family-building support, including fertility benefits and adoption reimbursement, is highlighted as part of the package.
Altera (altera.com) Insights
What We Do
Altera: Accelerating Innovators Altera provides leadership programmable solutions that are easy-to-use and deploy in applications from cloud to edge, offering limitless AI possibilities. Our end-to-end broad portfolio of products including FPGAs, CPLDs, Intellectual Property, development tools, System on Modules, SmartNICs and IPUs provide the flexibility to accelerate innovation. Altera is helping to shape the future through pioneering innovation that unlocks extraordinary possibilities for everyone on the planet.



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