Principal Hardware Systems Engineer

D-Matrix Corp.; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

d-Matrix is seeking a Principal Systems Hardware Engineer in Santa Clara to own end-to-end system architecture, from concept to production deployment. You will set direction across interconnect, power, thermal, and mechanical, reviewing partner designs and driving trade-off analyses with cross-functional teams.

You will lead hardware decisions in concert with software groups, establish specs and review practices, and guide the organization toward scalable, AI-enabled compute platforms.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of hardware systems architecture experience.
• Experience owning hardware architecture at scale from spec through deployment.
• Experience reviewing partner designs and enforcing specs with vendors.
• Ability to trade-off decisions across interconnect, power, thermal, mechanical.
• Track record of technical leadership and alignment across teams.
• Degree in EE, CE, ME, CS, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Own system architecture end-to-end across concept, spec, design review, and deployment.
• Author system, board, and rack specs and review partner designs for alignment.
• Set direction for interconnect architecture (scale-up/scale-out fabrics, NICs, switches, optics).
• Direct board/chassis/system architecture, component placement, power and thermal management.
• Evaluate design options via trade-off analysis and what-if scenarios.
• Define validation, bring-up, and qualification strategy for new platforms.
• Partner with software teams to align hardware decisions with performance needs.

Skills

Hardware systems architecture

Interconnect design

Power delivery

Thermal management

System bring-up

Vendor management

Technical leadership

ABET/ECE/CS degree

Education

Degree in EE/CE/ME/CS

Tools

PCIe

CXL

BMC firmware

SerDes

Power/thermal design tools

Job description

At d-Matrix, we are focused on unleashing the potential of generative AI to power the transformation of technology. We are at the forefront of software and hardware innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.Our culture is one of respect and collaboration.

We value humility and believe in direct communication.Our team is inclusive, and our differing perspectives allow for better solutions.We are seeking individuals passionate about tackling challenges and are driven by execution. Ready to come find your playground? Together, we can help shape the endless possibilities of AI.

Role Overview

d-Matrix is looking for a Principal Systems Hardware Engineer to own system architecture end-to-end — from concept through specification, design review, and production deployment. In this role, you'll act as the technical anchor for hardware decisions across interconnect, board, chassis, and rack-scale design, writing the specifications that partners and internal teams build against. You'll work independently against your objectives — setting technical direction without needing explicit guidance — while partnering closely with cross-functional teams and software groups to align hardware decisions with performance and workload needs. You'll review partner and vendor designs against requirements, surface misalignment and schedule risk early, and drive trade-off analysis across adjacent domains like interconnect, power, thermal, and mechanical. You'll also help establish the spec standards, review practices, and AI-assisted workflows that shape how d-Matrix builds systems at scale.

What You Will Do

• Own system architecture end-to-end — from concept through specification, design review, and production deployment — as the technical lead across teams and partners

• Author system, board, and rack specifications, and review partner designs against them — surfacing misalignment and schedule risk early

• Set direction for interconnect architecture — scale-up and scale-out fabrics, NICs, switches, optics, and topology — partnering with domain specialists to execute

• Set direction for board, chassis, and system architecture — component placement, PCB design, connectors, power, and thermal — at chassis, rack, and data-hall scale, partnering with domain specialists to execute

• Evaluate competing design options through trade-off analysis and "what-if" scenario planning

• Define validation, bring-up, and qualification strategy for new platforms

• Partner with software teams to align hardware decisions with performance and workload needs, and help establish spec standards and review practices for the org

What You Will Bring

• 8+ years of experience in hardware systems architecture, including deep, hands‑on expertise in one core domain (interconnect, power, or thermal) for large‑scale compute or networking systems

• Experience owning hardware system architecture at scale (machine, rack, row, or cluster) — from specification through bring‑up and high‑volume production deployment

• Experience reviewing partner designs and holding vendors to specification

• Ability to reason about trade‑offs across adjacent domains (interconnect, power, thermal, mechanical)

• Track record of technical leadership — owning directional decisions and driving alignment across teams and partners

• Degree in EE, CE, ME, CS, or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in hardware systems architecture for hyperscale, HPC, AI/ML, or high‑end networking platforms

• Experience with AI accelerator systems and their scale‑up/scale‑out fabrics

• Chip-package-system co‑design experience

• Expertise in one or more of: high-speed SerDes/PCIe/CXL/optics; BMC/firmware/secure boot; 48V/HVDC power delivery/liquid cooling; fleet‑scale RAS; signal and power integrity

• Experience establishing new engineering functions or practices

Equal Opportunity Employment Policy

d-Matrix is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer. We’re committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and empowered to do their best work. We hire the best talent for our teams, regardless of race, religion, color, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, or veteran status. Our focus is on hiring teammates with humble expertise, kindness, dedication and a willingness to embrace challenges and learn together every day.

d-Matrix does not accept resumes or candidate submissions from external agencies. We appreciate the interest and effort of recruitment firms, but we kindly request that individual interested in opportunities with d-Matrix apply directly through our official channels. This approach allows us to streamline our hiring processes and maintain a consistent and fair evaluation of al applicants. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.