Principal Engineer, SoC Architecture

kepler; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 230,000 - 370,000; Full time

Job summary

Kepler seeks a highly experienced SoC Architecture Lead to own architecture across Kepler’s products, focusing on memory and AI workload optimization. You’ll collaborate with internal teams and customers to deliver silicon that improves compute per watt for AI.

Responsibilities include defining platform and IP architectures, validating KPI/PPA, and mentoring a team of architecture engineers while engaging customers in product reviews and system-level discussions.

Qualifications

• 15–20 years of hands-on experience in SoC design, VLSI and systems architecture with multiple successful tapeouts.
• Deep expertise in SoC architecture, micro-architecture definition and high-level modeling.
• Strong experience with RTL, synthesis, timing and how they interact with physical design.
• Solid understanding of AI workloads, compute and memory access patterns and hardware implications.
• Experience with memory architecture and integration.
• Proven experience with high-performance, low-power VLSI methods.
• Solid knowledge of physical design, packaging and DFT/DFD principles.
• Experience with 3D innovations.

Responsibilities

• Own architecture definition for Kepler’s products: platform architecture, micro-architecture, IP selection and KPI/PPA validation.
• Define architectures that improve memory bandwidth, capacity and energy efficiency for AI workloads.
• Develop high-level architectural models to evaluate PPA targets and system throughput before RTL implementation.
• Define integration specs for IP and align design and physical design teams on interfaces and timing.
• Drive system-level integration with packaging and 3D innovation teams.
• Work with RTL, software, verification, physical design, packaging and DFX teams so architectural decisions are implementable.
• Engage with customers on product definition and system-level reviews.
• Build and maintain performance and power estimation models and system-level simulators.
• Set architecture best practices, review processes and documentation standards.
• Build, lead and mentor a team of architecture engineers.
• Represent the architecture team in customer, partner and executive reviews.

Skills

SoC architecture

SystemC/TLM

RTL flow

Synthesis

Leadership

Communication

3D integration

Modeling

Customer engagement

Perf modeling

Education

B.Tech/M.Tech/MS/PhD in EE, ECE, Computer Engineering or related field

Job description

About the Role

We’re looking for a highly experienced SoC Architecture Lead to own architecture for Kepler’s products. This high-visibility role sits where memory architecture, SoC architecture, system design and AI workload optimization meet. You’ll work with internal teams and customers to define and deliver silicon that helps unlock better compute per watt for AI.

Responsibilities

• Own architecture definition for Kepler’s products: platform architecture, micro-architecture, IP selection and KPI/PPA validation.
• Define architectures that improve memory bandwidth, capacity and energy efficiency for AI workloads.
• Develop high-level architectural models to evaluate PPA targets and system throughput before RTL implementation.
• Define integration specs for IP and align design and physical design teams on interfaces and timing.
• Drive system-level integration with packaging and 3D innovation teams.
• Work with RTL, software, verification, physical design, packaging and DFX teams so architectural decisions are implementable.
• Engage with customers on product definition and system-level reviews.
• Build and maintain performance and power estimation models and system-level simulators.
• Set architecture best practices, review processes and documentation standards.
• Build, lead and mentor a team of architecture engineers.
• Represent the architecture team in customer, partner and executive reviews.

Requirements

• B.Tech/M.Tech/MS/PhD in EE, ECE, Computer Engineering or a related field.
• 15-20 years of hands-on experience in SoC design, VLSI and systems architecture with multiple successful tapeouts.
• Deep expertise in SoC architecture, micro-architecture definition and high-level modeling.
• Strong experience with VLSI front-end design flows: RTL, synthesis, timing and how they interact with physical design.
• Solid understanding of AI workloads, compute and memory access patterns and their hardware implications.
• Experience with memory architecture and integration.
• Proven experience with high-performance, low-power VLSI methods.
• Solid knowledge of physical design, packaging and DFT/DFD principles.
• Experience with 3D innovations.
• Experience with system design, validation, deployment and customer engagement.
• Strong background in modeling (C/C++, SystemC/TLM).
• Excellent leadership, communication and presentation skills.
• Proven record from architecture definition through production release.

Nice to Have

• Understanding of memory bandwidth and compute enhancement for memory base die
• Prior startup experience with lean teams and aggressive timelines.

Compensation and Benefits

Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, qualifications, education, job responsibilities and work location.

Kepler offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, time off and additional Kepler benefits as applicable. Eligibility and benefit offerings may vary based on employment status and work location.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kepler is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

We believe that different backgrounds, experiences, perspectives and ideas make our team stronger and help our employees, our technology and our community thrive.

Reasonable Accommodation

Kepler is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us at 408-365-4627 or [e-mail].

Fair Chance Hiring

Kepler will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act. Applicants are not required to disclose criminal history before a conditional offer of employment except where otherwise permitted or required by applicable law.

Federal Contractor Notice

Kepler is a federal contractor or subcontractor and is committed to its obligations regarding equal employment opportunity. Kepler does not discriminate against qualified individuals on the basis of disability or protected veteran status and takes steps to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.