Senior Principal System Architect

Arm; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Cambridge is looking for an experienced SoC Architect to design and deliver next-generation system solutions for smartphones and laptops. The role includes defining SoC specifications, collaborating with engineering teams, and innovating in architecture design. Ideal candidates should have a strong background in SoC or related hardware architecture and excellent communication skills. A flexible hybrid work environment is offered, reflecting the company's commitment to a balanced workplace.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working model

Qualifications

• Proven track record in smartphone or laptop SoC hardware architecture.
• Solid understanding of SoC architecture and RTL design.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with leadership to define SoC specifications.
• Develop high-level architectural blueprints.
• Design experiments to explore architectural trade-offs.

Skills

SoC hardware architecture

RTL design

Microarchitecture

Communication skills

Collaboration abilities

Technical storytelling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

Job Overview:

Are you passionate about shaping the future of smartphones and Windows‑on‑ARM laptops? Join Arm’s Central Technology Group, where we design and deliver next‑generation system solutions — from advanced compute sub‑systems to chiplet & SoC with complete firmware and software stacks.

Our team brings together diverse expertise across system architecture, hardware, and software to unlock the full potential of Arm’s extensive IP portfolio. Here, you’ll solve some of the most complex engineering challenges, drive innovation, and make high‑impact contributions to the technology powering tomorrow’s devices.

As a key member of our architecture team, you will lead the definition and realization of cutting‑edge SoC architectures for mobile and laptop platforms — transforming ideas into silicon and enabling the next wave of Arm‑powered computing.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineering leadership and product planning teams to define SoC hardware architecture specifications for mobile and laptop platforms.
• Develop high‑level architectural blueprints that guide engineering teams in designing and verifying platforms across these markets.
• Translate technology and market requirements into clear architectural, IP, and software requirements.
• Partner closely with Arm’s technology domain and core teams to ensure architectural readiness aligned with the product roadmap.
• Evaluate and refine architectural proposals, driving cross‑functional alignment between hardware, software, and platform groups.
• Design experiments and analyses to explore architectural trade‑offs, and lead the development of reference designs and next‑generation chiplets/SoCs.
• Represent Arm externally with strong technical credibility — engaging customers, gathering insights, and incorporating feedback to shape future solutions.

Required Skills and Experience

• Proven track record in smartphone or laptop (Windows on ARM) SoC hardware architecture or a closely related domain.
• Solid understanding of SoC architecture, microarchitecture, RTL design, and post‑silicon validation of complex chips.
• Deep technical knowledge in one or more of the following domains: Power, thermal, and limits management; Reset and Boot Architecture; Security Architecture; 2.5D/3D chiplet technologies; Debug & Telemetry Architecture; Chipset and platform‑level system design.
• Experience with complete ASIC design flows and successful silicon/product commercialization.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity, influence across organizational boundaries, and drive execution.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and technical storytelling skills.

Nice to have

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (Master’s or PhD preferred).

In Return

You will develop the roadmap for Arm’s core interconnect and control subsystems, ensuring they are strategically aligned and technically validated across markets. While the initial focus is infrastructure, you will work across line of business and customers to ensure these foundational technologies are robust, driven, and reusable across Arm’s diverse product portfolio. Your ownership of requirement specs and roadmap rigor will ensure subsystem coherence across product generations — enabling Arm to scale from IP to complete system solutions.

Our 10x mindset guides how we engineer, collaborate, and grow. Understand what it means and how to reflect 10x in your work: https://careers.arm.com/en/10x-mindset

Accommodations at Arm

At Arm, we want our people to Do Great Things. If you need support or an accommodation to Be Your Brilliant Self during the recruitment process, please email [e-mail]. To note, by sending us the requested information, you consent to its use by Arm to arrange for appropriate accommodations. All accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality, and information concerning these requests will only be disclosed as necessary to provide the accommodation.

Equal Opportunities at Arm

Arm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and colleagues. We are a diverse organization of dedicated and innovative individuals, and don’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Hybrid Working at Arm

Arm’s hybrid approach to working is centred around flexibility, where we split our time between the office and other locations to get our work done. Within that framework, we empower groups and teams to determine their own particular hybrid working pattern, depending on the work and the team’s needs. Details of what this means for each role will be shared upon application. In some cases, the flexibility we can offer is limited by local legal, regulatory, tax, or other considerations, and where this is the case, we will collaborate with you to find the best solution. Please talk to us to find out more about what this could look like for you.