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Advancing the World’s Technology Together
Our technology solutions power the tools you use every day--including smartphones, electric vehicles, hyperscale data centers, IoT devices, and so much more. Here, you’ll have an opportunity to be part of a global leader whose innovative designs are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and powering the future.
We believe innovation and growth are driven by an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We’re dedicated to empowering people to be their true selves. Together, we’re building a better tomorrow for our employees, customers, partners, and communities.
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.
Reports to: Team leader/Head of Custom SoC Solutions Team
What You’ll Do
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, UALink or ESUN).
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
What You Bring
- 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.
#LI-VL1
What We Offer
The pay range below is for all roles at this level across all US locations and functions. Pay within this range varies by work location and may also depend on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance.
This is in addition to our diverse package of benefits centered around the wellbeing of our employees and their loved ones. In addition to the usual Medical/Dental/Vision/401k, our inclusive rewards plan empowers our people to care for their whole selves. An investment in your future is an investment in ours.
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.
Equal Opportunity Employment Policy
Samsung Semiconductor takes pride in being an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered to excel, regardless of race, religion, color, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, or veteran status.
When selecting team members, we prioritize talent and qualities such as humility, kindness, and dedication. We extend comprehensive accommodations throughout our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long-term conditions, neurodivergent individuals, or those requiring pregnancy-related support. All candidates scheduled for an interview will receive guidance on requesting accommodations.
Recruiting Agency Policy
We do not accept unsolicited resumes. Only authorized recruitment agencies that have a current and valid agreement with Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. are permitted to submit resumes for any job openings.
Applicant AI Use Policy
At Samsung Semiconductor, we support innovation and technology. However, to ensure a fair and authentic assessment, we prohibit the use of generative AI tools to misrepresent a candidate's true skills and qualifications. Permitted uses are limited to basic preparation, grammar, and research, but all submitted content and interview responses must reflect the candidate’s genuine abilities and experience. Violation of this policy may result in immediate disqualification from the hiring process.
Applicant Privacy Policy
https://semiconductor.samsung.com/about-us/careers/us/privacy/
Top Skills
What We Do
Established in 1974 as a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, we’re proud to be recognized as one of the leading chip manufacturers in the world. Using our knowledge in semiconductor technology, our ambition is to spark the imagination of device manufacturers with top-of-the-line building blocks and, through that, enrich the lives of people around the world with transformative solutions.
