Principal Engineer, FPGA Architecture

Samsung Electronics America; Folsom (CA); On-site; USD 219,000 - 351,000; Full time

Job summary

Samsung Electronics America is seeking a senior researcher to define SoC architectures and prototype them on FPGA, focusing on AI workloads and memory/storage bottlenecks. The role requires strong SystemVerilog RTL design and experience with high-speed interfaces.

You will lead projects from problem formulation to validated results, collaborating across teams and presenting at top-tier conferences. Daily onsite presence in Folsom, CA, with competitive base pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• BE/BS/MS/PhD in Computer/Electrical Engineering or CS (10+ years preferred).
• Strong SystemVerilog RTL design and debugging skills.
• Proven FPGA timing closure experience on large, high-speed designs.

Responsibilities

• Define architecture and microarchitecture for SoC blocks and prototype on FPGA.
• Analyze AI system workloads to identify memory, storage, and network bottlenecks.
• Propose and evaluate novel hardware architectures addressing bottlenecks.
• Design, implement, and debug high-speed interfaces like Ethernet, PCIe, DDR/LPDDR.
• Build high-throughput data paths with efficient buffering and flow control.
• Develop simulation and lab-based validation including stress and error-injection testing.
• Integrate prototypes with host software, servers, and network equipment.
• Analyze performance, power, and cost trade-offs and translate to SoC requirements.
• Lead research from problem definition to publication, patents, and presentations.

Skills

SystemVerilog RTL

FPGA timing closure

High-speed interfaces

AI hardware

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Data path design

CXL memory tech

Networking (Ethernet/PCIe)

Memory interfaces

Education

BE/BS/MS/PhD in Computer/Electrical Engineering or CS

Tools

Verilog/SystemVerilog

FPGA prototyping

Simulation tools

Job description

To provide the best candidate experience amidst our high application volumes, each candidate is limited to 10 applications across all open jobs within a 6-month period.

Advancing the World’s Technology Together

Our technology solutions power the tools you use every day--including smartphones, electric vehicles, hyperscale data centers, IoT devices, and so much more. Here, you’ll have an opportunity to be part of a global leader whose innovative designs are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and powering the future.

We believe innovation and growth are driven by an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We’re dedicated to empowering people to be their true selves. Together, we’re building a better tomorrow for our employees, customers, partners, and communities.

What You’ll Do

Our research team identifies data movement bottlenecks in AI systems and solves them with new memory and storage SoC architecture, proving each idea on FPGA with real AI workloads

Location: Daily onsite presence at our Folsom office/headquarters in alignment with our Flexible Work policy

Job ID: 43081

• Define architecture and microarchitecture for SoC blocks and prototype them on FPGA
• Analyze AI system workloads (e.g., LLM inference) to identify memory, storage, and network bottlenecks
• Propose and evaluate novel hardware architectures that address these bottlenecks more efficiently than existing solutions
• Design, implement, and debug high-speed interfaces such as Ethernet, PCIe, and memory interfaces
• Build high-throughput data paths with efficient buffering and flow control
• Develop simulation and lab-based validation, including stress and error-injection testing
• Integrate prototypes with host software, servers, and network equipment
• Analyze performance, power, and cost trade-offs and translate results into SoC requirements
• Lead research from problem definition to publication, patents, and presentations at top-tier conferences

What You Bring

• BE (BS/MS/Ph. D. preferred) in Computer/Electrical Engineering or Computer Science with 10+ years of working experiences in architecture development
• Research mindset: comfortable defining problems, forming hypotheses, and validating them with experiments
• Interest in AI infrastructure and data systems; publications are plus
• Strong System Verilog RTL design and debug skills
• Proven FPGA timing closure experience on large, high-speed designs
• Hands‑on experience with at least one high-speed interface (Ethernet, PCIe, or DDR/LPDDR)
• Experience in storage (NVMe/SSD), networking (RDMA/RoCE), or memory (CXL) systems
• Self‑motivated problem‑solver with an ability to work well in a team
• Inclusive, adapt your style to the situation and diverse global norms of our people.
• An avid learner, you approach challenges with curiosity and resilience, seeking data to help build understanding.
• You’re collaborative, building relationships, humbly offering support and openly welcoming approaches.
• Innovative and creative, you proactively explore new ideas and adapt quickly to change

#LI-SF1

What We Offer
The pay range below is for all roles at this level across all US locations and functions. Paywithin this range varies by work locationand may also depend on job-related knowledge, skills,and experience. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance.
This is in addition to our diverse package of benefits centered around the wellbeing of our employees and their loved ones. In addition to the usual Medical/Dental/Vision/401k, our inclusive rewards plan empowers our people to care for their whole selves. An investment in your future is an investment in ours.

Base Pay Range

$219,000 - $351,000 USD

Equal Opportunity Employment Policy

Samsung Semiconductor takes pride in being an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered to excel, regardless of race, religion, color, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, or veteran status.

When selecting team members, we prioritize talent and qualities such as humility, kindness, and dedication. We extend comprehensive accommodations throughout our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long-term conditions, neurodivergent individuals, or those requiring pregnancy-related support. All candidates scheduled for an interview will receive guidance on requesting accommodations.

Our Commitment to Innovation and Fairness

At Samsung Semiconductor, we use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the recruitment process to enhance efficiency. However, AI is used as a support tool, not a final decision-maker. All hiring decisions are made by our human recruiting team and hiring managers to ensure every candidate is evaluated fairly and holistically.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes. Only authorized recruitment agencies that have a current and valid agreement with Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. are permitted to submit resumes for any job openings.

At Samsung Semiconductor, we support innovation and technology. However, to ensure a fair and authentic assessment, we ask that candidates rely on their own knowledge and skills throughout the process. AI tools may be used for basic preparation, grammar, and research, but should not be used to generate or assist with submitted content or live interview responses. If we determine that AI is being used outside these guidelines, we reserve the right to pause or end the interview, and your candidacy may be disqualified.

By submitting an application, you agree not to disclose to Samsung—or encourage Samsung to use—any confidential or proprietary information (including trade secrets) belonging to a current or former employer or other entity.

Applicant Privacy Policy
https://semiconductor.samsung.com/about-us/careers/us/privacy/

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in Samsung Semiconductor’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service‑connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three‑year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

The application deadline for this role is February 9, 2027