Principal Hardware Design Engineer

Acceler8 Talent; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 210,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Acceler8Talent partners with a VC-backed AI/networking hardware startup in the SF Bay Area, hiring a Principal Hardware System Design Engineer to shape the next generation of high-performance data-center systems. You will drive the design of Ethernet switches, CPU subsystems, memory architectures, and networking interfaces.

You will collaborate with software, mechanical/thermal, manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure cohesive system integration and perform rigorous simulations and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in EE/CE.
• Experience with high-speed PCB and ASIC design.
• Hands-on hardware design and validation.
• Familiarity with industry standards and certifications.
• Experience with VHDL/Verilog coding.

Responsibilities

• Drive the design and development of Ethernet switches, CPU subsystems, memory architectures, and networking interfaces.
• Partner with software, mechanical/thermal engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams for cohesive system integration.
• Conduct in-depth system-level analysis, simulations, and thorough validation and testing.
• Help evolve and implement best-in-class design practices, methodologies, and standards.

Skills

Hardware system design

PCB design

SerDes design

ASICs experience

CPU subsystems

Signal integrity

Power integrity

Power management

EMC

Thermal design

VHDL

Verilog

Standards & Certifications

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Job description

Acceler8Talent is proud to partner with a well-funded, VC-backed AI/networking hardware startup in the SF Bay area that’s redefining infrastructure for the world’s largest hyperscalers.

With over $610M in funding and rapid expansion underway, they're now looking to hire aPrincipal Hardware System Design Engineerto help shape the next generation of high-performance systems in data centers.

Responsibilities:

• Drive the design and development of Ethernet switches, CPU subsystems, memory architectures, and networking interfaces.
• Partner with cross-functional teams—including software, mechanical/thermal engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain to ensure cohesive system integration.
• Conduct in-depth system-level analysis, simulations, and thorough validation and testing to ensure performance and reliability.
• Help evolve and implement best-in-class design practices, methodologies, and standards.

Requirements:

• A degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field (Bachelor’s or Master’s)
• Demonstrated expertise in hardware system design, with hands-on experience in:
  • Designing complex PCBs featuring high-speed SerDes and high-power ASICs
  • Developing CPU subsystems (e.g., x86, ARM, PowerPC, BMC)
  • Ensuring signal integrity, power integrity, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
  • Designing power management solutions (DC/DC, AC/DC) and implementing effective thermal strategies
  • Creating digital logic using VHDL and Verilog
  • Navigating and applying industry standards and certifications (e.g., UL, CE, FCC)