Director of Licensing

SiFive, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare and retirement plans

Paid time off

Variable compensation and/or equity potential

Job summary

SiFive, Inc. is seeking a Director of IP Licensing situated in Santa Clara, California. This role will be pivotal in driving high-value IP transactions and defining the long-term economic strategy for their CPU portfolio. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in commercial roles within the semiconductor sector and a deep understanding of licensing models.

This position involves leading the structuring of complex licensing deals and evolving the strategic business plan while also innovating on pricing models. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in commercial roles in the semiconductor industry.
• Ability to understand CPU IP and SoC level requirements fluently.
• Proven ability to drive change that impacts business success.

Responsibilities

• Lead the structuring of complex IP licensing deals.
• Own and evolve the multi-year business plan for the IP business.
• Innovate on pricing models beyond standard licensing.

Skills

Commercial Roles Experience (IP Licensing, Business Development, Strategic Marketing)

Deep Understanding of IP Licensing Models and Terms

Financial Acumen

Influence & Collaboration

Technical Foundation in CPU IP

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (Electrical Engineering, Computer Science) or Business

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a 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.

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 (e.g., the rise of custom compute) and customer feedback to forecast revenue and identify new growth vectors.
• Business Model Innovation: Innovate on pricing models to move beyond "standard" licensing 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 ensure future agreements are optimized to maximise long term revenue.
• Pricing Governance: Own the global "Price Book." Ensure pricing is consistent, competitive, and clearly communicated to field teams to enable rapid, autonomous execution in the region.
• Process Leadership: Streamline the "Lead-to-Fulfillment" workflow. Ensure that commercial approvals, contractual compliance, and order fulfillment processes are frictionless across global teams.

Requirements

• Experience: 10+ years in commercial roles (IP licensing, Business Development or Strategic Marketing) in the semiconductor industry.
• Commercial Expertise: Deep understanding of semiconductor IP licensing commercial models and terms, with previous experience drafting commercial agreements.
• Technical Foundation: Ability to understand and discuss CPU IP and SoC level requirements fluently with sales, customers and other stakeholders.
• Strong Financial Acumen: Experience building complex revenue forecast models.
• Strategic Mindset: Proven ability to see the bigger picture and drive change that impacts the overall success of the business.
• Influence & Collaboration: Proven track record of working across many teams on a global scale to get things done.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (Electrical Engineering, Computer Science), Marketing, or Business.
• Nice to Haves: Direct experience with RISC-V or ARM architectures / CPU licensing specifically.

Pay & Benefits

Consistent with SiFive values and applicable law, we provide a market-based pay structure which varies by location. The base pay range is a guideline; actual compensation depends on job-related knowledge, skills and experience. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for variable/incentive compensation and/or equity. The comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare, retirement plans, paid time off, and more.

Additional Information

• This position requires successful background and reference checks and satisfactory proof of the right to work in the United States of America.
• Offer contingent on verification that the candidate is authorized for access to export‑controlled technology under applicable export control laws or ability to obtain required export licenses.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 employment eligibility of all new hires in accordance with federal law. All applicants will be required to complete a Form I‑9, Employment Eligibility Verification, upon hire.