Systems Architect/Technical Lead

Job Title: Systems Architect / Technical Lead - Efabless ChipIgnite Platform Location: Remote Company: Efabless Corporation About Efabless: Efabless is the world's first platform for community-driven chip design and manufacturing. We empower engineers to design and produce custom chips at zero upfront cost, using our open-source design environment and a global network of manufacturing partners. Our mission is to democratize access to custom silicon and accelerate innovation in the electronics industry. About ChipIgnite: ChipIgnite is Efabless' innovative program designed to lower the barrier of entry for creating custom silicon. It provides a streamlined path for turning ideas into physical silicon, offering free chip design, manufacturing, and packaging for select projects. Job Summary: Efabless is seeking an experienced and innovative Systems Architect and Technical Lead to drive the development of custom ASICs using the chipIgnite platform. This role will be critical in defining the application-level embedded hardware, software, cloud infrastructure, FPGA emulation, and supporting software tools required to build an accessible, end-to-end solution for embedded systems leveraging custom ASIC creation. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in system architecture, embedded hardware and software, cloud-based development tools, and FPGA prototyping. You'll lead the technical direction and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, ensuring an efficient and scalable platform that enables users to design, develop, and deploy custom ASICs seamlessly. Key Responsibilities Platform Architecture & Definition: Define and architect the application-level embedded hardware and software for the Efabless chipIgnite platform for enabling the creation of custom ASICs. Set the technical roadmap and ensure platform design aligns with long-term goals for scalability, performance, and user accessibility. Embedded Hardware and Software: Define and enable the capabilities for development of embedded hardware solutions for custom ASIC built through the chipIgnite platform. Develop and oversee embedded software that interfaces with custom chipIgnite ASICs, including drivers, middleware, and firmware components. Cloud Software Stack: Architect and implement the cloud infrastructure required to support design, emulation, testing, and debugging of ASIC designs. Ensure cloud services are scalable, secure, and optimized for the needs of the ChipIgnite platform. FPGA Emulation: Define and lead the development of FPGA-based emulation tools for customers to prototype and validate their ASIC designs. Work with FPGA engineers to create accurate, high-performance emulation models that facilitate early testing and validation of custom ASICs. Software Development and Debug Tools: Lead the development of software tools for design, debug, and testing, including IDE support, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing frameworks. Ensure tools are well-integrated with the cloud and FPGA emulation environment for a seamless user experience. Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with ASIC design, verification, cloud engineering, and testing teams to ensure platform components meet functional and performance requirements. Collaborate with product management to define features, prioritize tasks, and manage project timelines. Required Qualifications Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. Experience: 8 years of experience in embedded systems design, ASIC development, or system-level architecture. Previous technical leadership experience with a strong track record of driving successful platform development. Demonstrated expertise in FPGA-based emulation and/or prototyping. Technical Skills: Proficiency in ASIC design flows, embedded systems, and FPGA development. Strong understanding of cloud software stacks, microservices, and cloud-based development tools. Hands-on experience with embedded software development in C/C++, Verilog/VHDL, and relevant ASIC or FPGA design and simulation tools. Familiarity with CI/CD workflows, debugging tools, and software development environments. Leadership and Communication: Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and drive cross-functional teams. Strong communication skills, capable of articulating complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Preferred Qualifications Experience with the Efabless ChipIgnite platform or similar open-source hardware platforms. Understanding of custom ASIC design methodologies and applications. Knowledge of system-level design for AI, IoT, or high-performance computing. Why Join Us? By joining Efabless, you'll play a pivotal role in advancing open-access ASIC development, helping innovators and companies worldwide bring their custom hardware visions to life. You'll work at the forefront of embedded systems and ASIC technology, making impactful contributions in a rapidly evolving industry. If you're passionate about pushing the boundaries of custom chip design, we would love to hear from you.