Etched · 5 months ago
ASIC Architect
San Jose
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$200K/yr - $265K/yr
5+ years expEtched is building AI chips that are hard-coded for individual model architectures, focusing on next-generation AI accelerators. The ASIC Architect role involves developing and optimizing compute architectures for transformer workloads, requiring collaboration across teams to bring innovative chip designs from concept to silicon.
AI InfrastructureArtificial Intelligence (AI)ComputerHardwareSemiconductor
Responsibilities
Microarchitecture & dataflow innovation: Design and analyze chip architectures optimized for AI/ML workloads, with focus on throughput, latency, and power efficiency
Design next-generation silicon: Contribute to power and area estimation methodologies for early-stage, next generation architectural exploration
Custom circuit development: Create architectural specifications and interface definitions for compute blocks and subsystems
System‑level prototyping: Collaborate with RTL, verification, physical design, and software teams to ensure architectural feasibility and ultimate optimization
Performance optimization: Conduct architectural experiments using cycle-accurate simulators and analytical models
Cross‑functional collaboration: Support integration efforts by providing architectural guidance and resolving design challenges
Qualification
Required
PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
5+ years of experience in computer architecture, ASIC design, or related fields
Strong understanding of computer architecture fundamentals including pipelines, memory hierarchies, and interconnects
Experience with performance modeling and architectural simulation tools
Hands‑on experience designing and optimizing floating‑point datapaths or arithmetic‑intensive circuits and working with advanced process nodes
Proficiency in Rust, C/C++, or Python for modeling and analysis
Knowledge of modern processor microarchitecture and design tradeoffs
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
Excellent communication skills and ability to work in cross-functional teams
Preferred
AI/ML accelerator architectures and dataflow optimization
RTL design and verification (Verilog/SystemVerilog)
Cycle-accurate simulation tools (gem5, SystemC, or custom simulators)
Power and performance analysis methodologies
ASIC design flow and physical design constraints
Publishing or presenting at architecture conferences (ISCA, MICRO, HPCA, etc.)
Hands-on experience with tapeout and silicon bring-up
Benefits
Full medical, dental, and vision packages, with generous premium coverage
Housing subsidy of $2,000/month for those living within walking distance of the office
Daily lunch and dinner in our office
Relocation support for those moving to San Jose (Santana Row)
Company
Etched
Building the hardware for superintelligence
51-200 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Etched has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (9)
2024 (11)
2023 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$125.36MKey Investors
Primary Venture Partners
2024-06-25Series A· $120M
2023-05-16Seed· $5.36M
Leadership Team
Chris Zhu
Co-Founder
Robert Wachen
Co-Founder and President
Recent News
Soma Capital
2026-01-07
Google Patent
2025-04-02
Google Patent
2024-12-04
Company data provided by crunchbase