ASIC Architect

The role

This person will design and analyze chip architectures optimized for AI/ML workloads. They will work on performance modeling and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring chip designs from concept to silicon.

What you will do

• Design and analyze chip architectures optimized for AI/ML workloads
• Contribute to power and area estimation methodologies
• Create architectural specifications and interface definitions
• Collaborate with RTL, verification, physical design, and software teams
• Conduct architectural experiments using cycle-accurate simulators and analytical models
• Support integration efforts by providing architectural guidance

Required qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in computer architecture, ASIC design, or related fields
• Strong understanding of computer architecture fundamentals including pipelines, memory hierarchies, and interconnects
• Experience with performance modeling and architectural simulation tools
• Hands-on experience designing and optimizing floating-point datapaths or arithmetic-intensive circuits and working with advanced process nodes
• Proficiency in Rust, C/C++, or Python for modeling and analysis
• Knowledge of modern processor microarchitecture and design tradeoffs
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills

Nice to have

• AI/ML accelerator architectures and dataflow optimization
• RTL design and verification (Verilog/SystemVerilog)
• Cycle-accurate simulation tools (gem5, SystemC, or custom simulators)
• Power and performance analysis methodologies
• ASIC design flow and physical design constraints
• Publishing or presenting at architecture conferences (ISCA, MICRO, HPCA, etc.)
• Hands-on experience with tapeout and silicon bring-up

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision packages with generous premium coverage
• $500 per month credit for waiving medical benefits
• Housing subsidy of $2.5k per month for those living within walking distance of the office
• Relocation support for those moving to San Jose (Santana Row)
• Various wellness benefits covering fitness, mental health, and more
• Daily lunch + dinner in our office
• Unlimited compute budget subject to ROI justification

About the company

Etched is building hardware for frontier intelligence by co-designing chips, racks, software, and manufacturing. They are a fully in-person team in San Jose (Santana Row).