Staff Software Application Engineer

As the pioneers who introduced RISC-V to the world, SiFive is transforming the future of compute by bringing the limitless potential of RISC-V to the highest performance and most data-intensive applications in the world. SiFive’s unrivaled compute platforms are continuing to enable leading technology companies around the world to innovate, optimize and deliver the most advanced solutions of tomorrow across every market segment of chip design, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, automotive, data center, mobile, and consumer. With SiFive, the future of RISC-V has no limits.

At SiFive, we are always excited to connect with talented individuals, who are just as passionate about driving innovation and changing the world as we are.  

Our constant innovation and ongoing success is down to our amazing teams of incredibly talented people, who collaborate and support each other to come up with truly groundbreaking ideas and solutions.  Solutions that will have a huge impact on people's lives; making the world a better place, one processor at a time. 

Are you ready?  

To learn more about SiFive’s phenomenal success and to see why we have won the GSA’s prestigious Most Respected Private Company Award (for the fourth time!), check out our website and Glassdoor pages.

Job Description:

SiFive is looking for a Staff Software Applications Engineer to join our Customer Experience organization. In this role, you will work directly with customers to help them successfully design with SiFive IP, and help support and maintain datacenter hardware development platforms. Responsibilities include serving as a trusted technical contact internally across engineering, sales, and marketing. SiFive’s Applications Engineer roles focus on customer success, software issue resolution, technical escalation, training, and improving documentation and knowledge sharing.

This is a staff-level individual contributor role for someone who has demonstrated clear and consistent technical knowledge, strong customer-facing judgment, and the ability to work closely with others to solve complex technical problems.

• Support customers using SiFive IP and help resolve software issues involving simulations, toolchains, firmware, and operating systems.
• Serve as the technical escalation point for customer issues and represent customer needs internally.
• Help customers understand the technical specifications and usage of SiFive's datacenter solutions, create and provide demonstrations, and continually improve the software and documentation surrounding this large project.
• Characterize various performance metrics and run benchmarks on different platforms including simulation, emulation, and real silicon.
• Collaborate with engineering, sales, and marketing to communicate product value and solve technical issues.
• Create and present customer trainings and enablement sessions, and provide hands-on demonstrations using debuggers, board hardware, and other electronic devices when necessary.
• Improve documentation, write application notes, and contribute to knowledge-base content.
• Lead by example on difficult customer problems, sharing best practices and demonstrating close collaboration with the rest of the application engineering team.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of relevant experience, including customer-facing technical support or applications engineering experience.
• Strong background in computer architecture and software development with C/C++/assembly.
• Familiarity with GNU tools, debugger software and hardware, Debug and Trace, Linux kernel, and at least one RTOS.
• Experience with Linux, Git, Jira, and Confluence.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver training and explain complex technical topics clearly.
• Self-starter, fast learner, and strong problem solver.

• Previous experience supporting semiconductor IP or processor customers, including waveform analysis, visual trace tools, and instruction logs.
• Knowledge of server hardware, Linux distributions, and software development on this type of platform.
• Experience influencing cross-functional decisions without direct management authority.
• Comfort working at a staff level engineer as a technical confidant and trusted contributor.

SiFive is the pioneer of commercial RISC-V processor IP, and our work spans high-performance, low-power compute across multiple applications and markets. We offer a flexible work environment, generous time off, and an employee stock option program.

SiFive is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation during the application and interview process.

Pay & Benefits

Consistent with SiFive values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. We have a market-based pay structure which varies by location.  Please note that the base pay range is a guideline, and our compensation range reflects the cost of labor in the U.S. geographic market based on the location of the role. Pay within these ranges varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and relevant work experience. 

For candidates who receive and offer, the starting salary will vary based on various factors including, but not limited to, such qualifications as, skill level, competencies, and work location.  The range provided may represent a candidate range and may not reflect the full range for an individual tenured employee.

Base Pay Range

In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for variable/ incentive compensation and/ or equity.  In addition, this role is eligible for a comprehensive, competitive benefits package which may include healthcare and retirement plans, paid time off, and more! 

Additional Information:

This position requires a successful background and reference checks and satisfactory proof of your right to work in

Any offer of employment for this position is also contingent on the Company verifying that you are a authorized for access to export-controlled technology under applicable export control laws or, if you are not already authorized, our ability to successfully obtain any necessary export license(s) or other approvals.

SiFive is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

As an E-Verify employer, we use this system to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires in accordance with federal law. All applicants will be required to complete a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, upon hire. We do not use E-Verify to pre-screen job candidates and will comply with all E-Verify regulations.

California residents: please see our job candidate notice for more information on how we handle your personal information and your privacy rights: Privacy Policy Document.