Senior ASIC Engineer

Senior ASIC Design Engineer | Custom ASIC & SoC Development | San Jose, CA

Our client, a cutting-edge developer of custom ASICs and SoCs for emerging technologies, is seeking an experienced Senior ASIC Design Engineer to join their innovative team in San Jose, California. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned semiconductor engineer with expertise in ARM-based system architecture, security features, and full ASIC/SoC lifecycle ownership. The ideal candidate will bring a stable career history, strong customer-facing skills, and a proven track record in ASIC design from concept to production. Experience in agile, fast-moving environments, along with exposure to chiplet architectures and datacenter applications, is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end ASIC/SoC architecture and micro-architecture development from initial concept through production tape-out
• Partner directly with customers to gather requirements, refine specifications, and ensure successful project delivery
• Drive technical design reviews, create comprehensive documentation, and support verification and validation efforts
• Provide technical leadership and expertise in security architecture, debug features, and RAS (Reliability, Availability, Serviceability) implementation
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering teams to maintain technical alignment throughout the ASIC development lifecycle
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to best practices in semiconductor design methodologies

Required Qualifications & Skills

Technical Expertise:

• Security Architecture: Deep knowledge of SoC security implementation in ARM-based systems, including hardware Root-of-Trust (RoT), Secure Boot architecture, ARM TrustZone technology, MMU/MPU configuration, cryptographic engine integration, secure debug interfaces, True Random Number Generators (TRNG), OTP/fuse programming, and tamper detection mechanisms
• Debug & Trace: Extensive experience with ARM CoreSight debug architecture, trace components (ETM, ITM, STM), external debug interfaces (JTAG, SWD), debug software tools, and secure debug methodologies
• RAS Features: Hands-on experience implementing ARM Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability features including error detection and correction (ECC), error reporting and poisoning protocols, fault injection testing, and interconnect/fabric error management
• Proven experience owning complete ASIC/SoC projects from specification through silicon validation
• Proficiency in RTL design, synthesis, and timing closure for complex digital systems
• Strong understanding of low-power design techniques and clock domain crossing

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering required
• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering strongly preferred
• Senior-level experience (8+ years) in ASIC/SoC design and architecture with demonstrated project leadership
• Stable employment history with progressive responsibility in semiconductor development
• Experience working in small, entrepreneurial companies or fast-paced development environments preferred
• Exposure to chiplet architectures, 2.5D/3D integration, and datacenter or high-performance computing applications is a plus

Professional Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to present complex technical concepts clearly
• Strong customer-facing skills and experience interfacing directly with clients and stakeholders
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of small, collaborative teams
• Self-motivated with strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail

About San Jose, California

San Jose is the vibrant heart of Silicon Valley and the third-largest city in California. Known as the global capital of technology and innovation, San Jose offers an unparalleled ecosystem for semiconductor professionals. The city boasts year-round pleasant weather, diverse cultural experiences, world-class dining, and easy access to both the San Francisco Bay Area and the natural beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains. With its thriving tech community, excellent schools, and abundant recreational opportunities, San Jose provides an ideal environment for career growth and quality of life.

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

Join a leading custom ASIC and SoC development company at the forefront of semiconductor innovation. This position offers the rare opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology projects for top-tier companies across multiple industries. You'll be a key contributor working on the complete project lifecycle—from initial concept and architecture through tape-out and silicon bring-up.

This role provides:

• Meaningful individual impact as a real technical contributor, not just another team member
• Direct involvement in groundbreaking ASIC/SoC projects with emerging technologies including chiplets and advanced packaging
• Opportunity to work independently or as part of a small, highly skilled team
• Continuous exposure to diverse projects and new technical challenges
• Competitive compensation package with annual salary ranging from $180,000 to $230,000, commensurate with experience
• Professional growth in a dynamic environment that values innovation and technical excellence

Apply Today

If you are a talented Senior ASIC Design Engineer with expertise in ARM-based security, debug, and RAS architectures, and you're ready to take on challenging custom semiconductor projects from concept to completion, we want to hear from you. This is your opportunity to join an innovative team developing next-generation ASICs and SoCs for industry-leading companies. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply today and become part of a company where your contributions truly matter.