Principal, Hardware Engineer (x86 CPU)

Celestica Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Celestica is seeking a Principal, Hardware Engineer (x86 CPU) in Austin, TX to lead the design and implementation of high-performance compute systems from concept to manufacturing.

You will drive architecture, lead cross-functional teams, and ensure rigorous validation, with deep expertise in x86 CPU design, board-level layout, and high-speed interfaces such as PCIe Gen5/6 and DDR5. Strong leadership required.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of hardware design experience preferred.
• Proven x86 CPU design and integration expertise.
• Experience with high-speed interface design (PCIe Gen5/6, DDR5, SERDES).
• Strong system validation and DVT experience.
• Excellent communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture and design of x86 CPU systems.
• Oversee bring-up, debugging, and validation of hardware platforms.
• Collaborate with manufacturing partners and vendors to meet requirements.
• Ensure designs meet customer performance, quality, and reliability standards.
• Align designs with Celestica procedures and industry standards.

Skills

Hardware design

x86 CPU design

System bring-up

Schematic capture

Signal integrity

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

PCIe Gen5/6

DDR5

SERDES

Job description

Principal, Hardware Engineer (x86 CPU)

Date: Aug 17, 2026

Location: Austin, TX, US

Summary

The Principal, Hardware Engineer (x86 CPU) will lead the design, development, and implementation of complex x86-based compute systems. As a key technical contributor, you will drive the architecture and design of high-performance CPU platforms, ensuring robust product delivery from initial concept through to volume manufacturing. This role requires deep expertise in x86 architecture and discrete CPU board-level design.

Detailed Description

• Technical Leadership: Lead the design and implementation of x86-based server/storage solutions, including detailed schematic capture and system specifications.
• Architecture & Design: Drive the design of complex x86 CPU systems, including board-level design, component selection, and signal integrity analysis.
• System Integration: Oversee the bring-up, debugging, and validation (DVT) of complex hardware platforms, collaborating across cross-functional teams to resolve issues.
• Technical Expertise: Act as a subject matter expert (SME) in x86 CPU design and integration, including discrete CPU solder-down board experience.
• Collaboration: Liaison with internal engineering teams, manufacturing partners, and vendors to ensure designs meet customer performance, quality, and reliability requirements.
• Process Compliance: Ensure all designs align with Celestica's internal procedures, industry regulations, and customer standards.

Technical Capabilities

• Core Competencies: Extensive experience (15+ years preferred) in hardware design for Compute, Storage, or Network products.
• x86 Expertise: Proven track record in high-speed, high-density x86 CPU design and integration; deep understanding of discrete CPU solder-down requirements.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in schematic capture, PCB layout constraints, and modern high-speed interface design (PCIe Gen5/6, DDR5, SERDES).
• Problem Solving: Strong background in system validation, back-end debug, and design validation testing (DVT).
• Soft Skills: Exceptional organizational, planning, and program management skills; ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Typical Experience

• 12+ years of progressive experience in hardware design and technical leadership.

Typical Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.

Notes

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Job duties and the % of time identified for any function are subject to change at any time.
#HPS-NA

Celestica is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
This policy applies to hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, job training, classification, referral and other aspects of employment and also states that retaliation against a person who files a charge of discrimination, participates in a discrimination proceeding, or otherwise opposes an unlawful employment practice will not be tolerated. All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Celestica is an E-Verify employer.

COMPANY OVERVIEW:
Celestica (NYSE, TSX: CLS) enables the world’s best brands. Through our recognized customer-centric approach, we partner with leading companies in Aerospace and Defense, Communications, Enterprise, HealthTech, Industrial, Capital Equipment and Energy to deliver solutions for their most complex challenges. As a leader in design, manufacturing, hardware platform and supply chain solutions, Celestica brings global expertise and insight at every stage of product development – from drawing board to full-scale production and after-market services for products from advanced medical devices, to highly engineered aviation systems, to next-generation hardware platform solutions for the Cloud.Headquartered in Toronto, with talented teams spanning 40+ locations in 13 countries across the Americas, Europe and Asia, we imagine, develop and deliver a better future with our customers.

Nearest Major Market: Austin
Job Segment: Hardware Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Aerospace Engineering, Supply Chain, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Operations