Principal System Engineer

Renesas Electronics; California (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Renesas Electronics seeks a Principal System Engineer/Product Definer to architect next‑gen VCORE power solutions for laptops and Edge AI platforms. You will own multiphase VR design, ensure IMVP/SVI compliance, and align with OEMs and silicon vendors while coordinating with internal R&D.

You will lead system‑level modeling, topology studies, and PDN analyses to optimize efficiency and load‑transient response in space‑constrained devices. PhD is a plus, 12+ years in semiconductors preferred.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Electrical Engineering; PhD is a plus.
• 12+ years in semiconductors with multiphase DC‑DC experience.
• Hands‑on product‑definition experience with IMVP/SVI VR solutions for laptops/Edge AI.

Responsibilities

• Define multiphase VR architecture meeting IMVP/SVI specs for VCORE rails.
• Collaborate with OEMs and silicon vendors to translate platform power requirements into engineering specs.
• Analyze PDN parasitics and PCB effects to ensure transient performance.
• Lead cross‑functional reviews during architecture and platform bring‑up.
• Identify long‑term value in Edge AI core power delivery and SVID/PMBus features.

Skills

SIMPLIS

MATLAB

Cadence

PDN knowledge

Multiphase control

Python

C

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

MS in Electrical Engineering

PhD (plus)

Tools

Cadence-based environments

Job description

As a Principal System Engineer/Product Definer in our Power Management Group, you will be the primary architect defining the next generation of processor core (VCORE) power solutions for laptops and Edge AI platforms. You will own the product definition for multiphase voltage regulator (VR) solutions that power leading x86 CPU/APU and Edge AI SoCs, ensuring full compliance with Intel IMVP (IMVP9 / IMVP9.1 and successor) and AMD SVI2 / SVI3 serial-VID specifications. This high-impact role connects the compute-silicon vendors who define the core-power specifications (Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA) with the OEMs who build the end platforms (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo), aligning both with internal R&D to ensure Renesas delivers best-in-class solutions for efficiency, load‑transient response, and power density in the thermally‑and space‑constrained laptop and Edge AI form factors.

Key Responsibilities

• Customer Architecture Definition: Collaborate directly with laptop OEMs/ODMs and compute-silicon vendors (Intel, AMD, and Edge AI/GPU silicon partners) to translate platform power requirements, IPM/SVI compliance targets, RFI into Engineering Requirements Specifications with architectural and electrical specifications for the VCORE, VCCSA/SoC and GT/NPU rails.
• System Architecture & Efficiency Analysis: Conduct topology identification, phase‑count optimization, and detailed efficiency studies for multiphase buck / SPS (Smart Power Stage / DrMOS) core‑rail architectures using system‑level simulation tools (e.g., SIMPLIS, MATLAB, or similar). Develop high‑fidelity behavioral models to evaluate architectural trade‑offs, Adaptive Voltage Positioning (AVP) load‑line, DVID/dynamic‑VID transients, and loop stability against Intel IMVP and AMD SVI transient and light‑load (phase‑shedding) requirements.
• Schematic & Layout Analysis: Review and update system models based on PCB schematics and layouts to account for real‑world PDN parasitics (ESL/ESR) and the “last‑inch” interconnect that constrains transient performance in dense laptop and Edge AI boards.
• Technical Leadership: Lead cross‑functional teams (Design, Marketing, Applications) during architecture reviews, silicon‑vendor compliance reviews, and platform bring‑up. Collaborate closely with IC Design teams to identify the optimal controller + power‑stage partitioning and the SVID/PMBus digital feature set required to meet complex IMVP/SVI system specifications.
• Strategic Roadmapping: Identify long‑term value‑creation avenues in Edge AI/NPU core power, high‑current vertical power delivery, and next‑generation IMVP/SVI feature adoption to keep the roadmap ahead of rising SoC currents and tightening efficiency targets.
• Problem Solving: Act as the final technical escalation point for customers, using structured methods, system knowledge and experience to resolve complex system issues.
• Education: BS/MS in Electrical Engineering (Power Electronics emphasis preferred); PhD is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum 12 years of semiconductor experience, with a focus on multiphase DC‑DC converters and processor core‑rail (VCORE) regulation for laptop and/or Edge AI platforms. Hands‑on product‑definition experience with Intel IMVP‑compliant and/or AMD SVI2/SVI3 VR solutions is strongly preferred.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in system design and simulation tools such as SIMPLIS/SIMetrix, MATLAB, or Cadence‑based environments for multiphase VR modeling.
  • Deep knowledge of Power Delivery Networks (PDN), PCB parasitics, multiphase control (AVP/load‑line, current balancing, phase shedding), and serial‑VID interfaces (Intel SVID, AMD SVI2/SVI3, PMBus).
  • Proficiency in Python or C for behavioral modeling and task automation.
• Communication: Proven track record of interfacing with OEM’s or Intel/Amd technical leadership.
• Bonus (a Big Plus): Familiarity with NVIDIA OpenVReg (OVR) specifications (e.g., OVR4-22, OVR16) and PWMVID‑based multiphase core power for GPU / Edge AI platforms is a strong differentiator.

The expected annual pay range for this position is $220,000- $250,000. This position is also eligible for bonus opportunities. Please note that final offer amount will be dependent on geographic location, applicable experience, and skillset of the candidate.

Renesas is an embedded semiconductor solution provider driven by its Purpose, To Make Our Lives Easier. With a global team of over 21,000 engineers and problem solvers in more than 30 countries, we offer the opportunity to work on world‑leading technology for Automotive, Industrial, Infrastructure, and IoT, shaping a safer, healthier, greener, and smarter future.

At Renesas, TAGIE is our culture, grounded in being Transparent, Agile, Global, Innovative, and Entrepreneurial. It shapes how we work, grow and deliver on our purpose together. This collaborative spirit and mindset drive our semiconductor technology to transform industries and impact millions of lives.

We believe in rewarding our employees with a competitive benefits package alongside their salary. More information will be provided during the hiring process.

Are you ready to join our team and shape the future with us?

Renesas Electronics is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to supporting diversity and fostering a work environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. For more information, please read our Diversity & Inclusion Statement.

Renesas Electronics deals with dual‑use technology that is subject to U.S. export controls regulations. Under these regulations it may be necessary for Renesas to obtain U.S. government export license prior to release of technology to certain persons. The decision whether or not to file or pursue an export license application is at the sole discretion of Renesas.