Principal System Architect

TDK; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental

401(k) plan

Pension

Life insurance

Vacation

Tuition reimbursement

Work-from-home stipend

Holidays

Job summary

TDK U.S.A. Corporation seeks a Principal System Architect to lead the architecture of next-generation Physical AI platforms, spanning silicon, hardware, sensors, embedded and cloud software, AI/ML models, and control.

You will bridge silicon, hardware, software, AI/ML, and robotics to create scalable, commercially successful platforms and guide technology strategy with strong leadership across teams.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics or related field.
• 15+ years of experience architecting complex embedded and intelligent systems.
• Proven track record delivering commercial products from concept to production.
• Deep understanding of system architecture spanning silicon, hardware and software.
• Experience across SoC CPUs/GPUs/NPUs, electronics, sensors and software

Responsibilities

• Define system architecture for Physical AI, robotics, and intelligent sensing platforms.
• Drive architecture analysis and tradeoffs across compute, power, performance, cost, reliability, and scalability.
• Coordinate cross-functional design across silicon, hardware, embedded and cloud software, and AI/ML algorithms and models.
• Lead architecture reviews, functionality splits, interface definitions, and system integration efforts.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and guide technology roadmaps.
• Collaborate with global engineering teams, customers, and strategic technology partners.

Skills

System architecture

Embedded systems

AI/ML algorithms

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics

Tools

Embedded Linux

RTOS

Cloud connectivity

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION:

TDK U.S.A. Corporation is the Regional Headquarters for the Americas of TDK Corporation, a global electronics company based in Japan, and publicly listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. TDK focuses on the demanding markets of information and communication technology, internet of things, and automotive, industrial and consumer electronics. TDK's comprehensive product portfolio features electronic components, sensors, power supplies, energy devices, and more. TDK has a network of design, manufacturing, and sales locations in Asia, Europe and the Americas, with global revenues of more than $12 billion. TDK employs more than 113,000 people worldwide, including more than 4,500 in North and South America.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

TDK USA Corporation is seeking an exceptional Principal System Architect to lead the architecture of next-generation Physical AI platforms. This role will define end-to-end system architectures spanning silicon and hardware, sensors, embedded and cloud software, AI/ML algorithms/models, actuation/control. As a technical leader across multidisciplinary teams, you will drive architectural decisions from concept through commercialization and help shape TDK's longer-term technology strategy.

We are looking for a systems thinker who can bridge silicon, hardware, software, AI/ML, and robotics disciplines to create innovative, scalable platforms. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership and excels at turning complex ideas into commercially successful products.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Define system architecture for Physical AI, robotics, and intelligent sensing platforms.
• Drive architecture analysis and tradeoffs across compute, power, performance, cost, reliability, and scalability.
• Coordinate cross-functional design across silicon, hardware, embedded and cloud software, and AI/ML algorithms and models.
• Lead architecture reviews, functionality splits, interface definitions, and system integration efforts.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and guide technology roadmaps.
• Collaborate with global engineering teams, customers, and strategic technology partners.

REQUIREMENTS and SKILLS:

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related field.
• 15+ years of relevant experience architecting complex embedded and intelligent systems.
• Demonstrated success delivering commercial products from concept to production.
• Deep understanding of system architecture spanning silicon, hardware and software.
• Expertise in several of the following areas:
• SoC architecture, CPUs, GPUs, NPUs, MCUs, and embedded processors
• Electronics, sensors, power optimization, and hardware integration
• Embedded Linux, RTOS, software development
• AI and ML algorithm/model development
• Robotics, motion control, and autonomous systems
• Cloud connectivity, IoT, security, and distributed systems

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

TDK U.S.A. offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, 401(k), pension, life insurance, vacation, tuition reimbursement, work from home stipend, and 13 paid holidays.

The starting annual base pay for this role is between $180,000 and $220,000. The actual base is dependent upon many factors, such as training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs, market demands, location (San Jose or San Diego, CA). The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.