Datacenter System Software Architect

SiFive, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 231,444 - 282,876; Full time

Job summary

SiFive, Inc. is seeking a Datacenter System Software Architect in Santa Clara, California. This role involves designing and implementing high-performance RISC-V Linux systems, collaborating with hardware architects, and engaging with customers to ensure their requirements are met.

The ideal candidate will have experience with x86 or ARM requirements, low-level C development, and strong project leadership skills. The role fits within an innovative team that is redefining computing platforms.

Qualifications

• Experience defining requirements for x86 or ARM servers for hyperscaler use cases.
• Experience with key application workloads, including distributed databases, AI/ML training/inference.
• Experience developing low-level code in C for multiprocessor operating systems.

Responsibilities

• Architect systems and system software for hyperscaler deployments.
• Engage with key customers to integrate their functional requirements.
• Drive the adoption and integration of next-generation server extension cards.

Skills

x86 or ARM server requirements definition

RAS, telemetry, manageability, I/O offloading

distributed databases, AI/ML

low-level code in C

computer architecture understanding

writing and reviewing specifications

desktop and server ecosystems

RISC-V ISA and ecosystem

datacenter Linux distribution

strong communication skills

project leadership

Job description

Job Description

The Role

Do you want to be part of the RISC‑V revolution? RISC‑V and SiFive are redefining computing platforms for the 21st century. As a datacenter system software architect, you’ll play a leading role in designing and implementing high‑performance RISC‑V Linux systems for datacenters, spanning software and hardware architecture and engineering. Unlike in many larger companies, SiFive engineers work cross‑functionally, with full access to our software and hardware codebases. The home for this role is in SiFive’s Software Architecture group. You’ll architect and write software that takes advantage of SiFive and RISC‑V hardware features and integrates cleanly with existing operating systems, primarily Linux. You’ll help author and review architecture specifications for new hardware and software features, and will help plan and execute the work involved in implementation. You’ll be a part of creating something big— all based around the RISC‑V instruction set architecture.

Responsibilities

• Architect systems and system software for hyperscaler deployments based on RISC‑V.
• Focus on software and system architecture, collaborating closely with hardware architects.
• Engage with key customers and partners to integrate their functional and performance requirements, understand key workloads, and ensure that SiFive systems are well‑supported in the associated software ecosystems.
• Help guide the development of RISC‑V software and firmware stacks for servers, including platform controller firmware, platform firmware, hypervisors, Linux, and application stacks.
• Participate in the development of RISC‑V standards pertaining to servers.
• Engage with RISC‑V software ecosystem organizations to help guide external development.
• Work with SiFive performance benchmarking and software optimization teams to identify and resolve bottlenecks limiting performance.
• Help port and optimize modern hypervisors and virtualization stacks to run on RISC‑V.
• Drive the adoption and integration of next‑generation server extension cards, involving CXL, RDMA, networking and storage offload, and compute accelerators.
• Help plan, estimate, and drive complex software projects.

Requirements

• Experience defining requirements for x86 or ARM servers for hyperscaler use cases.
• Experience with key server requirements including RAS, telemetry, manageability, and I/O offloading.
• Experience with key application workloads, including distributed databases, AI/ML training/inference, agentic AI, and high‑throughput microservices.
• Experience developing low‑level code in C for multiprocessor, multithreaded operating systems such as the Linux kernel, BSD kernels, or other HLOS.
• Understanding of computer architecture at the CPU and system levels, VLSI design concepts, and how they impact hardware and software architecture.
• Experience writing and reviewing architecture specifications, both for hardware and software.
• Experience with modern desktop and server ecosystems, including PCIe, Device Tree, ACPI, and UEFI.
• Experience with the RISC‑V ISA and RISC‑V software ecosystem.
• Experience with datacenter Linux distributions such as Debian, RedHatEnterpriseLinux, and SLES.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong project leadership skills, including the ability to develop roadmaps, work‑breakdowns and estimates, and drive projects.

Nice to Have

• Experience working with RTL engineers and with RTL product lifecycles.
• Experience with C++ or Rust.
• Experience working in global teams and cross‑cultural communication.

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 that varies by location. The base pay range is a guideline; our compensation range reflects the cost of labor in the U.S. geographic market based on the role’s location. Pay within these ranges varies and depends on job‑related knowledge, skills, and relevant work experience. For candidates who receive an 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 $231,444.00–$282,876.00. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for variable or 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 United States of America. Any offer of employment is also contingent on the Company verifying that you are 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 FormI‑9, Employment Eligibility Verification, upon hire. We do not use E‑Verify to pre‑screen job candidates and will comply fully 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.