Principal Engineer, NPU Architect

Company Description

Job Description

We are looking for a Principal NPU Hardware Architect with 10 to 15 years of experience to drive the architectural definition and hardware implementation of high-performance Neural Processing Units (NPUs) targeted for microcontrollers and microprocessors addressing Automotive high performance compute. This is a hardware-oriented role that requires a deep understanding of the full silicon lifecycle, combined with a strong background in hardware-software co-design to ensure the NPU architecture is highly optimized for compiler-driven execution and software stacks.

Responsibilities:

* NPU Architecture & Dataflow:
Define and own the end-to-end NPU micro-architecture, including high-throughput tensor/matrix engines, vector units, and specialized activation functional units.

* Hardware-Software Co-Design:
Partner closely with compiler and software teams to define instruction sets (ISA), memory management schemes, and hardware-aware graph optimizations.

* Virtualization & Multi-Tenancy:
Architect hardware-assisted virtualization features to enable secure resource sharing and multi-tenant execution in cloud or edge environments.

* Interconnect & Fabric:
Design and integrate high-bandwidth Bus fabrics (e.g., NoC, CHI) and DMA controllers optimized for the massive data movement inherent in AI workloads.

* Infrastructure & Power:
Lead the definition of SoC infrastructure elements, including complex clock/reset domains and advanced power management strategies to maximize performance-per-watt.

* Performance Modeling:
Develop bit-accurate and cycle-accurate C++/System

C models to validate architectural choices and enable early software development.

* Full Design Flow:
Oversee the transition from architectural spec to RTL, providing technical leadership through verification, physical design, and post-silicon bring-up.

Qualifications

* Education:

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering (PhD desirable)

* Experience:

12+ years in AI accelerator, NPU, or GPU hardware architecture and RTL design.

* Domain Expertise:
Deep knowledge of deep learning primitives (CNNs, Transformers, RNNs) and how they map to spatial compute hardware.

* Software Awareness:
Strong understanding of compiler backends (e.g., LLVM, MLIR), IR transformations, and how hardware features like scratchpad memories or tiling impact compiler efficiency.

* System Integration:
Proven track record with modern SoC protocols (AXI/ACE/CHI) and integrating NPU cores into larger system-on-chip environments.

* Modeling

Skills:

Expert-level proficiency in System

C/TLM or C++ for architectural performance modeling and hardware-software co-verification.

* Leadership:
Ability to act as a technical authority, mentoring junior designers and influencing cross-functional roadmaps.

Additional Information

Renesas is an embedded semiconductor solution provider driven by its Purpose 'To Make Our Lives Easier.' As the industry's leading expert in embedded processing with unmatched quality and system-level know-how, we have evolved to provide scalable and comprehensive semiconductor solutions for automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and IoT industries based on the broadest product portfolio, including High Performance Computing, Embedded Processing, Analog & Connectivity, and Power.

With a diverse team of over 22,000 professionals in more than 30 countries, we continue to expand our boundaries to offer enhanced user experiences through digitalization and usher into a new era of innovation. We design and develop sustainable, power-efficient solutions today that help people and communities thrive tomorrow, 'To Make Our Lives Easier.'

At Renesas, you can:

* Launch and advance your career in technical and business roles across four Product Groups and various corporate functions. You will have the opportunities to explore our hardware and software capabilities and try new things.

* Make a real impact by developing innovative products and solutions to meet our global customers' evolving needs and help make people's lives easier, safe and secure.

* Maximize your performance and wellbeing in our flexible and inclusive work…