FPGA Prototyping Engineer

I Machines, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plans

Paid time off and holidays

Flexible Schedule

Job summary

I Machines, Inc. is seeking an FPGA Prototyping Engineer to play a vital role in pre-silicon and early-system validation. You'll work with FPGA-based SoC prototyping, focusing on CPU bring-up and system debugging while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering and hands-on experience with HAPS-200 systems. This role offers competitive pay, benefits, and the chance to influence cutting-edge technology development in a startup environment.

Qualifications

• Proven hands-on experience with FPGA-based SoC prototyping.
• Demonstrated experience in CPU/SoC bring-up on FPGA or emulation platforms.
• Strong understanding of timing closure and clocking strategies.

Responsibilities

• Perform CPU and SoC bring-up on FPGA platforms, including low-level system debugging.
• Enable Linux bring-up on FPGA prototypes, including development of required drivers.
• Collaborate with architecture, RTL, verification, firmware, and software teams.

Skills

FPGA-based SoC prototyping

CPU/SoC bring-up

FPGA architecture

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

HAPS-200 systems

FPGA toolchains

Job description

We’re a fast-paced, fabless semiconductor startup redefining the boundaries of AI through cutting‑edge, scalable AI‑infused compute architecture. Our mission is to deliver scalable, efficient, and intelligent silicon solutions for the next generation of edge AI, robotics, autonomous systems, and mobile devices. Our leadership team brings together decades of experience in semiconductor innovation, spanning chip architecture, system design, and global business operations. The team includes pioneers behind several generations of groundbreaking compute architectures, experts in software‑hardware co‑design, SoC and AI development with hundreds of patents in our portfolio as well as leaders of multi‑billion‑dollar business units at top‑tier technology companies.

Position Overview

We are seeking an FPGA Prototyping Engineer to play a critical role in our pre‑silicon and early‑system validation efforts. This role focuses on FPGA‑based SoC prototyping and CPU bring‑up, leveraging HAPS‑200 platforms to enable early hardware/software co‑development and de‑risk silicon.

In this hands‑on role, you will work closely with architecture, RTL, firmware, and software teams to transform complex SoC designs into functional FPGA prototypes. You will be responsible for system bring‑up, Linux enablement, timing optimization, and multi‑clock‑domain debugging—bridging RTL design intent to real, working systems.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Perform CPU and SoC bring‑up on FPGA platforms, including low‑level system debugging.
• Enable Linux bring‑up on FPGA prototypes, including development and integration of required drivers for daughter card and peripheral interaction.
• Address design partitioning challenges to achieve optimal FPGA utilization and maximum achievable frequency.
• Analyze and resolve critical timing paths:
• Logic mapping and partition balancing
• Clock‑domain isolation and synchronization
• Hierarchical and functional partition optimization
• Collaborate closely with architecture, RTL, verification, firmware, and software teams to ensure prototypes align with design intent and project milestones.
• Troubleshoot and debug complex FPGA, timing, and system‑integration issues throughout the prototyping lifecycle.
• Document FPGA bring‑up procedures, debug methodologies, partition strategies, and performance findings; provide regular status updates to stakeholders.

Qualifications and Skills

Successful candidates should possess the following qualifications and skills:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven hands‑on experience with FPGA‑based SoC prototyping, including HAPS‑200 systems.
• Demonstrated experience in CPU/SoC bring‑up on FPGA or emulation platforms.
• Strong understanding of FPGA architecture, timing closure, clocking strategies, and multi‑clock‑domain designs.
• Experience debugging system‑level issues spanning RTL, FPGA infrastructure, and software bring‑up.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.

Preferred / Nice‑to‑Have Qualifications

• Experience with Linux bring‑up on FPGA‑based platforms.
• Familiarity with high‑speed interfaces, daughter card integration, and board‑level debug.
• Working knowledge of FPGA toolchains (e.g., synthesis, place‑and‑route, timing analysis).
• Experience with pre‑silicon validation, emulation, or FPGA acceleration flows.
• Background in fast‑paced or early‑stage semiconductor development environments.

Why Join Us

• Get in early at a breakthrough deep‑tech startup reshaping AI compute
• Work closely with industry innovators and experienced leaders where your work will have a direct impact on the success of the company
• Be part of a mission‑driven team building foundational technology for the future
• We balance sharp execution with continuous innovation to push the boundaries
• Competitive compensation, equity, and growth opportunities

Benefits and Perks

At I Machines, Inc., we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plans
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible Schedule

Equal Opportunity Employer

I Machines, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment.