About the Role
The CEG NAG (Networking Architecture Group) is Intel's premier team focused on defining the future of high-performance networking silicon. Our team architects next-generation networking solutions that enable hyperscale data centers, cloud infrastructure, and AI workloads to achieve unprecedented performance and efficiency. We specialize in IPU/DPU platforms, advanced packet processing architectures, and programmable networking technologies that form the backbone of modern distributed computing systems.
We are seeking a Senior SoC Network Subsystem Architect to define and lead the architecture of high-performance network subsystems for next-generation IPU/DPU platforms. This role focuses on designing scalable, programmable networking pipelines that support hyperscale and cloud data center workloads.
You will drive the end-to-end Network Subsystem (NSS) architecture, including packet processing pipelines, protocol engines, QoS frameworks, and observability features. This is a highly cross-functional leadership role requiring deep technical expertise and strong collaboration across hardware, software, and systems teams.
What You’ll Do
Key responsibilities will include but not limited to:
Network Subsystem Architecture Definition
1. Own end-to-end NSS architecture, including packet processing pipelines, protocol engines, and interface datapaths
2. Architect high-performance packet pipelines supporting hundreds of millions of packets/sec throughput and processing flows
3. Drive architectural direction for programmable vs. fixed-function pipeline balance and future extensibility
4. Specify network subsystem pipeline scaling strategies and define multi-generation NSS architecture roadmap
6. Lead design decisions for pipeline partitioning, feature scalability, and backward compatibility
QoS, Scheduling, and Flow Management
1. Architect advanced scheduling frameworks (per-flow shaping, multi-level scheduling, traffic class isolation)
2. Define QoS models to support multi-tenant workloads, virtualization, and service chaining
Debug, Telemetry, and Observability
1. Define architecture for telemetry, performance counters, and real-time observability of pipeline behavior
2. Architecture support for field debug, failure triage, and large-scale deployment monitoring
Cross-Functional Leadership
1. Collaborate across SoC, compute, memory, SW/FW, validation, and customer teams to drive architecture closure
2. Interface with external customers to translate workload requirements into NSS architecture decisions
3. Lead architectural reviews and influence cross-team technical direction
Behavioral traits that we are looking for:
- Strategic thinker: Ability to define long-term architecture vision and align stakeholders
- Technical leadership: Influences across teams without direct authority
- Problem solver: Approaches complex system challenges with structured thinking
- Collaboration: Builds strong partnerships across engineering disciplines
- Customer-focused mindset: Translates real-world workload needs into solutions
- Adaptability: Navigates ambiguity and evolving technical requirements
- Ownership mindset: Drives initiatives from concept through execution
Intel invests in our people and offers a complete and competitive package of benefits employees and their families through every stage of life.
See Intel Benefits for more details.
Qualifications:Minimum qualifications are required to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates.
Note:
For information on Intel’s immigration sponsorship guidelines, please see
Intel U.S. Immigration Sponsorship Information
Minimum Qualifications and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related degree with 7 + years of experience.
You must have 7+ years of experience in the following:
- Networking ASIC / SoC / IPU / DPU architecture
- High-speed packet processing pipelines
- Experience in system-level architecture tradeoffs
- Define and deliver architecture for large-scale data center networking systems
Preferred Qualifications and Experience:
- Experience with programmable datapath architectures (P4, pipeline microcode, or hybrid models)
- Experience with AI/HPC scale-out networking and congestion control architectures
- Transport protocols offloads
- QoS, scheduling, and multi-tenant isolation
- Familiarity with coherent or shared-memory offload models (e.g., CPU-IPU integration)
- Experience with hyperscaler deployments or customer co-design engagements
Join us in building a brighter future through technology innovation!
Job Type:Experienced HireShift:Shift 1 (United States of America)Primary Location: US, California, Santa ClaraAdditional Locations:US, Arizona, Phoenix, US, California, Folsom, US, California, San Jose, US, Oregon, Hillsboro, US, Texas, AustinBusiness group:The Central Engineering Group (CEG) is Intel's data-driven organization that builds scalable engineering solutions across three pillars: Product Enablement (IP, tools, and methodologies), Custom ASIC (leveraging existing IP for custom silicon), and Foundry Enablement (supporting top customers and validating technologies). The team focuses on customer-driven, end-to-end solutions with short development cycles to deliver measurable business impact across Intel's product and foundry businesses.Posting Statement:All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.Position of TrustN/ABenefits
We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.
Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $164,470.00-269,100.00 USD
The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Work Model for this Role
This role will be eligible for our hybrid work model which allows employees to split their time between working on-site at their assigned Intel site and off-site. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.*
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related degree
- 7+ years of relevant experience
- Networking ASIC / SoC / IPU / DPU architecture experience
- High-speed packet processing pipeline design experience
- System-level architecture tradeoff experience
- Experience defining and delivering architecture for large-scale data center networking systems
- Experience with programmable datapath architectures (P4, pipeline microcode, or hybrid models)
- Experience with AI/HPC scale-out networking and congestion control architectures
- Transport protocols offloads experience
- QoS, scheduling, and multi-tenant isolation experience
- Familiarity with coherent or shared-memory offload models (CPU-IPU integration)
- Experience with hyperscaler deployments or customer co-design engagements
Intel Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Intel and has not been reviewed or approved by Intel.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-building and caregiving supports are extensive, including fertility coverage, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, childcare and elder care resources, and a structured reintegration for new parents. These benefits are positioned as best-in-class elements of the package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off includes generous PTO, a paid sabbatical after extended tenure, and multiple leave types such as family, medical, bereavement, and military. This breadth enables employees to disconnect, recharge, and manage life events.
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Retirement Support — Long-term savings are bolstered by a competitive 401(k) match and access to deferred compensation for eligible levels, alongside stock purchase opportunities. These programs are highlighted as strong tools for financial security.
Intel Insights
What We Do
Our mission is to shape the future of technology to help create a better future for the entire world, that’s the power of Intel Inside. With more ingenuity and creativity inside, our work is at the heart of countless innovations. From major breakthroughs to things that make everyday life better— they’re all powered by Intel technology. With a career at Intel, you can help make the future more wonderful for everyone.







