Senior Hardware Architect – Board and System

Natcast (short for The National Center for the Advancement of Semiconductor Technology) is a new, purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) consortium, established by the CHIPS Act of the U.S. government.

Working at Natcast represents an opportunity to help extend America’s leadership in semiconductor technology, significantly reduce the time and cost of moving from idea to commercialization, and build and sustain a semiconductor workforce development ecosystem.

These efforts to advance semiconductor technology and seed new industries built on the capabilities of a wide range of advanced chips hold the potential to benefit the country and the world for generations to come.

We are seeking a Senior Hardware Architect to drive the definition, architecture, and execution of complex validation and manufacturing hardware platforms. In this senior technical leadership role, you will define system-level design strategies, establish design best practices, and lead the development of innovative, scalable hardware solutions to enable next-generation technologies for Natcast members for silicon validation and manufacturing.

You will collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams—including silicon architects, package and platform engineers, system validation, manufacturing test, signal integrity (SI/PI), firmware, and software engineers—to architect and deliver optimal hardware designs that meet stringent technical and business requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end hardware architecture for validation platforms, add-on boards, interposers, adapters, and system-level test hardware.

• Define system-level requirements, feasibility analysis, and trade-offs for platform features, mechanical constraints, thermal and power budgets, and interface protocols.

• Lead the design and review of high-speed multilayer PCB schematics and layouts for CPU, GPU, or ARM-based processors, DDR memory interfaces, PCIe, Ethernet, USB, and debug interfaces (e.g., JTAG, SMBus).

• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to engineers and project teams; review and approve key technical deliverables.

• Drive innovation in signal integrity, power integrity, and high-speed design methodologies, ensuring designs meet performance and compliance targets.

• Work with FPGA, firmware, and software teams to architect integrated test and validation solutions.

• Define and drive hardware validation and bring-up strategy, including test plans, debug methodologies, and root cause analysis.

• Establish and document design guidelines, best practices, and lessons learned for reuse across projects and teams.

• Collaborate across geographies to synchronize design efforts, share knowledge, and resolve technical challenges.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.

• Minimum 12+ years of experience in board/system hardware design, with at least 5 years in technical leadership or architect role.

• Expertise in:

• High-speed digital and analog board/system design.

• Advanced processors (CPU, GPU, or ARM-based) and memory subsystems (DDR3/4/5, LPDDR).

• Industry-standard interfaces: PCIe (Gen5/Gen6), Ethernet, USB, SATA, etc.

• Signal integrity and power integrity concepts, simulation, and optimization.

• Deep understanding of PCB design, fabrication, assembly processes, and constraints.

• Strong knowledge of validation methodologies, test strategies, and lab debug tools (oscilloscopes, VNAs, logic analyzers, BERTs).

• Solid understanding of system architecture and the interaction of hardware, firmware, and software in a validation environment.

• Demonstrated track record of innovation, influencing, and thought leadership in hardware design.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

• Proven ability to lead global, cross-functional engineering teams in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

• Experienced in leading work done by design turn key vendors

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience architecting validation hardware for silicon bring up and manufacturing environments.

• Familiarity with FPGA design and development (Verilog/VHDL) and automation scripting (Python).

• Experience establishing or improving hardware design processes and methodologies.

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Electrical Engineering or related field.

• Patents or publications in relevant hardware design and validation fields.

Natcast is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any protected attribute. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join us in our mission. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process due to a disability, please let us know. 

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