Director of Licensing

SiFive; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Healthcare and retirement plans

Job summary

SiFive in Austin, Texas is seeking a Director of IP Licensing to drive high-value IP transactions and define long-term strategies for their CPU portfolio. You will collaborate across Product, Sales, and Legal teams to structure complex licensing agreements, evolve business models, and ensure pricing governance.

Ideal candidates have over 10 years of experience in commercial roles within the semiconductor industry, along with a strong understanding of IP licensing. This role offers a market-based salary with potential incentives and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in commercial roles related to IP licensing in semiconductor.
• Deep understanding of commercial models and terms in semiconductor IP licensing.
• Technical foundation for discussing CPU IP and SoC-level requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead structuring of complex IP licensing deals.
• Own and evolve the multi-year business plan for IP.
• Analyze existing royalty streams for future revenue optimization.

Skills

Commercial roles experience

IP licensing knowledge

Financial acumen

Strategic mindset

Influencing skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Marketing, or Business

Job description

Role

Director of IP Licensing to serve as a key architect of SiFive’s commercial growth. Reporting to the SVP of Product, you will sit at the intersection of Product, Sales, and Legal to drive high-value IP transactions and define the long-term economic strategy for our CPU portfolio. You will own the business model that scales SiFive’s footprint globally.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Deal Architect: Lead the structuring of complex IP licensing deals. Partner with Sales, Product Management and Legal to develop bespoke commercial terms, incentive structures, and quotations that secure design wins while protecting SiFive’s long-term interests.
• Strategic Business Planning: Own and evolve the multi-year business plan for the IP business. Incorporate market shifts and customer feedback to forecast revenue and identify new growth vectors.
• Business Model Innovation: Develop pricing models to enable SiFive to address a wide range of customers in the most appropriate way.
• Royalty Strategy & Optimization: Analyze existing royalty streams and historical data to optimize future agreements for long-term revenue.
• Pricing Governance: Own the global price book. Ensure pricing is consistent, competitive, and clearly communicated to field teams for rapid execution across regions.
• Process Leadership: Streamline the Lead-to-Fulfillment workflow. Ensure commercial approvals, contractual compliance, and order fulfillment processes are frictionless across global teams.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in commercial roles (e.g., IP licensing, Business Development, or Strategic Marketing) in the semiconductor industry.
• Deep understanding of semiconductor IP licensing commercial models and terms, with experience drafting commercial agreements.
• Technical foundation to discuss CPU IP and SoC-level requirements with sales, customers, and other stakeholders.
• Strong financial acumen with experience building complex revenue forecast models.
• Strategic mindset with a track record of driving change that impacts business success.
• Influence and collaboration across multiple teams on a global scale.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Marketing, or Business.

Nice to Have

• Direct experience with RISC-V or ARM architectures / CPU licensing specifically.

Pay & Benefits

Base pay ranges are market-based and vary by location. The starting salary depends on qualifications, skill level, and work location. The company may offer variable/incentive compensation and/or equity, as well as a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare and retirement plans.

Additional Information

• Successful background and reference checks and satisfactory proof of right to work in the United States.
• Offer contingent on export-control compliance; company must verify authorization for access to export-controlled technology or obtain necessary licenses.
• SiFive is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
• E-Verify: All applicants will be required to complete Form I-9; we do not pre-screen candidates with E-Verify and comply with regulations.
• California residents: Privacy notice applies regarding personal information and privacy rights.