Low-Power Wireless SoC Architect

EM Microelectronic; Marin-Epagnier; On-site; CHF 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

EM Microelectronic in Neuchâtel is seeking a seasoned Low-Power Wireless SoC Architect to own the digital ASIC architecture from requirements to tape-out. This is a primarily digital design role focusing on processor, memory, power domains, security, and hardware/software partitioning.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years in digital ASIC/SoC design, strong SystemVerilog/Verilog RTL experience, and proven ownership of a low-power SoC from architecture through production.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; Ph.D. preferred.
• Typically 12+ years in digital ASIC/SoC design, integration, or architecture.
• Strong RTL design experience with SystemVerilog/Verilog and ownership of a low-power SoC.

Responsibilities

• Own the digital SoC architecture: processor, interconnect, memory hierarchy, clock/reset, power domains and modes, peripherals, security, debug, test, and hardware/software partitioning.
• Translate product requirements into architecture specifications, interfaces, verification objectives, and measurable power, performance, area, cost, and risk budgets.
• Drive digital ASIC decisions covering IP selection and reuse, RTL architecture, low-power intent, CDC/RDC, DFT, implementation constraints, and design-for-verification.
• Align Digital Design, Verification, IC Integration, software, validation, test, memory, analog/RF, CAD/PDK, package, and manufacturing contributors.
• Lead architecture reviews and formal change control; support implementation, tape-out, silicon bring-up, qualification, yield improvement, and production issue resolution.

Skills

SystemVerilog

RTL design

Low-power design

Architecture leadership

Security

Education

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Ph.D. preferred

Tools

EDA tools

Job description

Job Description

This role does not offer any hybrid/remote work possibility.

The Low-Power Wireless SoC Architect owns the system and digital architecture of next-generation ultra-low-power wireless SoCs from product requirements through production. This is primarily a digital ASIC architecture role - not an RF architecture role and requires strong understanding of embedded software, memory, security, test, analog/RF interfaces, and manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the digital SoC architecture: processor, interconnect, memory hierarchy, clock/reset, power domains and modes, peripherals, security, debug, test, and hardware/software partitioning
• Translate product requirements into architecture specifications, interfaces, verification objectives, and measurable power, performance, area, cost, and risk budgets
• Drive digital ASIC decisions covering IP selection and reuse, RTL architecture, low-power intent, CDC/RDC, DFT, implementation constraints, and design-for-verification
• Align Digital Design, Verification, IC Integration, software, validation, test, memory, analog/RF, CAD/PDK, package, and manufacturing contributors
• Lead architecture reviews and formal change control; support implementation, tape-out, silicon bring-up, qualification, yield improvement, and production issue resolution

Profile

Key Competencies

• Systems thinking grounded in practical digital ASIC implementation
• Quantitative management of power, performance, area, cost, and technical risk
• Clear technical leadership across multicultural, multi-site teams without relying on direct authority
• Strong architecture documentation, review, change-management, and structured problem-solving discipline
• Fluent English required; French or German is a plus

Professional Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics, or a related field; Ph.D. preferred
• Typically 12+ years in digital ASIC/SoC design, integration, or architecture, including substantial hands-on RTL design using SystemVerilog or Verilog
• Proven ownership of a complex low-power SoC from architecture through tape-out, silicon bring-up, qualification, and production
• Deep knowledge of low-power digital design: clock and power gating, retention, isolation, voltage domains, memory optimization, wake-up sequencing, always-on logic, and UPF-based power intent
• Strong command of ASIC flows and trade-offs, including synthesis, static timing analysis, CDC/RDC, DFT, verification, physical-design constraints, and power/performance/area optimization
• Experience with reusable platforms, external IP qualification, embedded NVM/SRAM/OTP, secure boot, hardware security, and hardware/software partitioning
• Wireless-connectivity integration knowledge is required. Automotive-grade development, DFMEA/PFMEA, PPAP, formal change management, or medical-customer requirements are advantages

Languages

• English proficiency
• French would be a great asset