Principal Digital Design Engineer, Reader IC

Impinjexternal; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 158,700 - 277,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Open paid time-off policy

Job summary

Impinjexternal in Seattle is seeking a Senior Staff OR Principal Digital Design Engineer to lead microarchitecture definition for the next generation of Reader ICs. The role demands 15+ years of expertise in SoC design, deep technical leadership, and robust collaboration with product management.

This position offers competitive compensation up to $277,600 and an extensive benefits package. Join our innovative team and make a significant impact on the future of IoT technology.

Qualifications

• 15 years of experience in SoC design and implementation.
• Proven track record of leading complex mixed-signal IPs from concept to tape-out.
• Expertise in low-power design, DFT, timing constraint generation, and synthesis.

Responsibilities

• Define microarchitecture and develop key subsystems for Impinj's Reader ICs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define features and performance targets.
• Mentor senior and staff engineers to uplift design quality across the organization.

Skills

SoC IP micro-architectures

Microcontroller and system bus architectures

Team collaboration

Technical leadership

Verilog/SystemVerilog

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering

Job description

Impinj is a leading RAIN RFID provider and Internet of Things pioneer. We’re inventing ways to connect everything to the Internet—including retail apparel, retail general merchandise, healthcare items, automobile parts, airline baggage, food and much more. With more than 100 billion items connected to date, and multiple Fortune 500 enterprises around the world using our platform, we solve for a better understanding of our world. If it’s a thing, we’re working to connect it. Join Impinj and help us realize vision of a boundless IoT— connecting trillions of everyday items to the Internet.

Team Overview

We are looking for a Senior Staff OR Principal Digital Design Engineer to join the Impinj RAIN RFID Reader IC Engineering team to own the microarchitecture definition and front-end implementation of key subsystems for Impinj’s next generation of Reader ICs. In this position, you will use your experience in SoC subsystem definition, IP block microarchitecture, digital design and design for tests to take Impinj’s next generation of Reader ICs from concept through to production.

What You’ll Do

• Own microarchitecture definition and subsystem development for key IP blocks of Impinj's next-generation RAIN RFID Reader ICs, from concept through implementation, silicon characterization, and high-volume production.
• Collaborate with Product Management and Systems Engineering to define innovative features and performance targets that extend Impinj's leadership in the Reader IC market.
• Drive adoption of state-of-the-art SoC integration tools, flows, and methodologies, partnering with the CAD team to significantly advance design environments and ensure production-quality A0 tape-out.
• Serve as the SoC DFX authority, overseeing scan insertion, ATPG execution, and fault coverage review in close partnership with product test engineering.
• Evaluate and integrate third-party IP—including Ethernet, USB, and DDR4/DDR5 controllers—ensuring seamless SoC integration and timing convergence.
• Oversee subsystem definition, design, and implementation to deliver an industry-leading RAIN RFID Reader IC on time and at high quality.
• Coordinate across disciplines to define priorities, align workflows, and remove execution barriers.
• Mentor senior and staff engineers, setting technical direction and raising the bar on design quality and methodology across the organization.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, with 15 years of experience (or 12 years with MS or 8 years with a PhD) required.
• 15+ years defining and implementing SoC IP micro-architectures; consistently delivering modular, parameterized subsystems optimized for scalability and SoC integration.
• Proven track record leading multiple complex mixed-signal IPs from concept to first-time-right tape-out and production.
• Deep expertise in SoC design and integration methodologies: low-power and multi-voltage domain design (UPF), DFT (scan insertion, ATPG, fault grading), register map creation and integration, timing constraint generation, CDC, and synthesis timing convergence.
• Strong knowledge of microcontroller and system bus architectures, including ARM cores and AMBA protocols, with understanding of key performance metrics.
• Expertise translating protocol specifications, functional descriptions, and feature requirements into micro-architecture and RTL implementation in Verilog/SystemVerilog.
• Demonstrated technical leadership with broad organizational impact—able to influence architecture decisions, drive cross-functional alignment, and deliver results through others.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical tradeoffs clearly to both engineering and product audiences.

Compensation & Benefits:

The typical base pay range for this role across the US is $158,700- $277,600. Individual base pay depends on various factors such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties, requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Both market wage data and the mid-point of the pay range is reviewed and used as the starting point for all new hire offers. Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time.

At Impinj certain roles are eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, annual bonus and stock. These awards are allocated based on individual performance. In addition, certain roles also have the opportunity to earn sales incentives based on revenue or utilization, depending on the terms of the plan and the employee’s role. US based employees have access to healthcare benefits; a 401(k) plan and company match among others.

For a more comprehensive list of US employment benefits, click here.

US Export Controls:

This position has access to technologies or data subject to U.S. export control regulations. Under these laws, the release or transfer of export-controlled items or information to individuals who are not classified as "U.S. persons" (as defined by Immigration & Nationality Act) may require prior authorization from the U.S. government. We may require additional documentation related to national identity to determine whether an export compliance license is required for any export-controlled items. This information is requested solely for the purpose of complying with U.S. export control laws and will not be used for other purposes. Learn more about export compliance here.

Why work at Impinj:

Know you’re making a difference. Competitive benefits. Support for remote work or a desk with a view. Weekly Q&A sessions with our executive team. Impinj provides an environment that fosters openness and innovation and is developing technology that delivers a positive impact on the world. Collaboration and teamwork are highly valued, and accomplishments are duly celebrated. We have an open paid time-off policy paired with a respect for work/life balance. Our headquarters is located in Seattle with spectacular views of the Olympics, Lake Union, and Mt Baker, which can be enjoyed from our rooftop deck. Our Brazilian site is in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul state, at "Tecnopuc," a technology park that offers a very nice workplace for the development of groundbreaking technologies. Impinj is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.